The Book of the Prophet Hosea 11 The Ingratitude of Israel. Threats and Promises

 The Book of the Prophet Hosea 11

The Ingratitude of Israel. Threats and Promises

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

2 But as they called them, so they went away from me: they sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images.

3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.

4 I drew them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.

5 They will not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria will be their king, because they refuse to repent.

6 The sword will fall on their cities, and it will consume their bars and devour them, because of their counsels.

7 For my people are inclined to turn away from me; They call on the Most High, but none of them exalt him.

8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I satisfy you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my sorrows are kindled together.

9 I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst; I will not enter the city.

10 They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, the children of the West will tremble.

11 They will come trembling like a bird from Egypt, and like a dove from the land of Assyria, and I will make them dwell in their houses, says the Lord.

12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still rules with God, and with the Holy One is faithful.