Hosea 11

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

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

3. And I it was that taught Ephraim to walk, --He took them upon his arms, --but they knew not that I healed them.

4. I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently caused them to eat.

5. He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return [to me] ;

6. and the sword shall turn about in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour [them] , because of their own counsels.

7. Yea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High, none at all exalteth [him] .

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

9. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am *God, and not man, --the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not come in anger.

10. They shall walk after Jehovah; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the children shall hasten from the west:

11. they shall hasten as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will cause them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah.

12. Ephraim encompasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet walketh with *God, and with the holy things of truth.