Hosea 11:1-8

1When Israel was a youth I loved him, And 1out of Egypt I 2called My son.2The more 34they called them, The more they went from 5them; They kept 6sacrificing to the Baals And 7burning incense to idols.3Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, 8I 9took them in My arms; But they did not know that I 10healed them.4I 11led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And 12I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and 13fed them.

514They will not return to the land of Egypt; But Assyria--he will be 15their king Because they 16refused to return to Me.6The 17sword will whirl against 18their cities, And will demolish 19their gate bars And 20consume them because of their 21counsels.7So My people are bent on 22turning from Me. Though 23they call 24them to the One on high, None at all exalts Him.

825How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I 26make you like 27Admah? How can I treat you like 28Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me, 29All My compassions are kindled.