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, 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.

As I called them, the farther they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved 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.

Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them in my arms; but they did not know 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.

I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.

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

"They won't return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to repent.

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

The sword will fall on their cities, and will destroy the bars of their gates, and will put an end to their plans.

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 determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly won't exalt them.

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 can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.

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 execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of you; and I will not come in wrath.

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 walk after Jehovah, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children will come trembling 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.

They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses," says 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.

Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One.