Hosea 11

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

2As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.footnote a

5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

6And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

7And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.footnote b

8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

9I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

10They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

11They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.

12Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.footnote c

Out of Egypt I Called My Son

1When Israel was a child, I loved him,and out of Egypt I called My son.footnote a 2But the more I called Israel,the farther they departed from Me.footnote bThey sacrificed to the Baalsand burned incense to carved images. 3It was I who taught Ephraimfootnote cto walk,taking them by the arms,but they never realizedthat it was I who healed them. 4I led them with cords of kindness,with ropes of love;I lifted the yoke from their necksand bent down to feed them. 5Will they not return to the land of Egyptand be ruled by Assyriabecause they refused to repent? 6A sword will flash through their cities;it will destroy the bars of their gatesand consume them in their own plans. 7My people are bent on turning from Me.Though they call to the Most High,He will by no means exalt them.

God’s Love for Israel

8How could I give you up, O Ephraim?How could I surrender you, O Israel?How could I make you like Admah?How could I treat you like Zeboiim?My heart is turned within Me;My compassion is stirred! 9I will not execute the full fury of My anger;I will not destroy Ephraim again.For I am God and not man—the Holy One among you—and I will not come in wrath. 10They will walk after the LORD;He will roar like a lion.When He roars,His children will come trembling from the west. 11They will come trembling like birds from Egyptand like doves from the land of Assyria.Then I will settle them in their homes,declares the LORD.

12Ephraim surrounds Me with lies,the house of Israel with deceit;but Judah still walks with Godand is faithful to the Holy One.footnote d