Hosea 11:1-3

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.