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 The more they called them, the more they went from them; they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and offered 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, I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their 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 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 fed them gently.

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, because they refused to return.

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 fall upon 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 And My people are in suspense about returning to Me; and though they call them upwards, none at all will lift himself up.

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 up, Ephraim? How shall I surrender 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.

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 return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in fury.

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 the LORD, who shall roar like a lion; for He shall roar, and the children shall come trembling 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 come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith the LORD.

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 compasseth Me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; and Judah is yet wayward towards God, and towards the Holy One who is faithful.

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