Hosea 11:1-8

1When Israelwas a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed to 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 food before them.1 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 .2

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? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.