Hosea 11

New International Reader's Version

“When Israel was a young nation, I loved them.
    I chose to bring my son out of Egypt.
² But the more I called out to Israel,
    the more they went away from me.
They brought sacrifices to the statues of the gods
    that were named Baal.
    And they burned incense to them.
³ I taught Ephraim to walk.
    I took them up in my arms.
But they did not realize
    I was the one who took care of them.
⁴ I led them with kindness and love.
I was to them like a person who lifts
    a little child to their cheek.
    I bent down and fed them.

⁵ “But they refuse to turn away from their sins.
    So they will return to Egypt.
    And Assyria will rule over them.
⁶ A sword will flash in their cities.
    It will destroy the prophets who teach lies.
    It will bring an end to their plans.
⁷ My people have made up their minds
    to turn away from me.
Even if they call me the Most High God,
    I will certainly not honor them.”

“People of Ephraim, how can I give you up?
    Israel, how can I hand you over to your enemies?
Can I destroy you as I did the town of Admah?
    Can I treat you like Zeboyim?
My heart is stirred inside me.
    It is filled with pity for you.
⁹ I will not be so angry with you anymore.
    I will not completely destroy you again.
After all, I am God.
    I am not a mere man.
I am the Holy One among you.
    I will not direct my anger against their cities.
¹⁰ I will roar like a lion against my enemies.
    Then the Lord’s people will follow him.
When he roars, his children will come home trembling with fear.
    They will return from the west.
¹¹ They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows.
    They will return from Assyria, flying in like doves.
I will settle you again in your homes,”
    announces the Lord.