When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I[a] called them, the more they went from me;[b] they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my[c] arms; but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks.[d] I bent down to them and fed them.
5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword rages in their cities, it consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their schemes. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all.[e]
8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 9 I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.[f]
10 They shall go after the Lord, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. 11 They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the Lord.
12 [g] Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks[h] with God, and is faithful to the Holy One.
Footnotes
a. Hosea 11:2 Gk: Heb they
b. Hosea 11:2 Gk: Heb them
c. Hosea 11:3 Gk Syr Vg: Heb his
d. Hosea 11:4 Or who ease the yoke on their jaws
e. Hosea 11:7 Meaning of Heb uncertain
f. Hosea 11:9 Meaning of Heb uncertain
g. Hosea 11:12 Ch 12.1 in Heb
h. Hosea 11:12 Heb roams or rules
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
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