Hosea 11

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

When Israel was a child he was dear to me; and I took my son out of Egypt.

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

When I sent for them, then they went away from me; they made offerings to the Baals, burning perfumes to 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.

But I was guiding Ephraim's footsteps; I took them up in my arms, but they were not conscious that I was ready to make them well.

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.

I made them come after me with the cords of a man, with the bands of love; I was to them as one who took the yoke from off their mouths, putting meat before them.

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

He will go back to the land of Egypt and the Assyrian will be his king, because they would not come back 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.

And the sword will go through his towns, wasting his children and causing destruction because of their evil designs.

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

My people are given up to sinning against me; though their voice goes up on high, no one will be lifting them up.

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.

How may I give you up, O Ephraim? how may I be your saviour, O Israel? how may I make you like Admah? how may I do to you as I did to Zeboim? My heart is turned in me, it is soft with pity.

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.

I will not put into effect the heat of my wrath; I will not again send destruction on Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One among you; I will not put an end to you.

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

They will go after the Lord; his cry will be like that of a lion; his cry will be loud, and the children will come from the west, shaking with fear;

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.

Shaking with fear like a bird, they will come out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will give them rest in their houses, says the Lord.

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.

The deceit of Ephraim and the false words of Israel are about me on every side. ...