Hosea 11:1-9 ▼

1 When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son.

2 The more I called them, the farther they went from me, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols.

3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; but they did not know that I cared for them.

4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them.

5 He shall return to the land of Egypt, Assyria shall be his king, because they have refused to repent.

6 The sword shall rage in his cities: it shall destroy his diviners, and devour them because of their schemings.

7 My people have their mind set on apostasy; though they call on God in unison, he shall not raise them up.

8 How could I give you up, Ephraim, or deliver you up, Israel? How could I treat you as Admah, or make you like Zeboiim? My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred.

9 I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not a man, the Holy One present among you; I will not come in wrath.