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 there; they scrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to carved images.

3 "I taught Ephraim to walk, talking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them.

4 I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.

5 "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to repent.

6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, devour his districts, and consume them, because of their own counsels.

7 My people are bent on backslidimng from Me. Though they call to the Most high, none at all exalt Him.

8 "How can I gave you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboim? My heart churns with Me; My sympaphy is stirred.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Holy One of Israel in your midst; and I will not come with terror.

10 "They shall walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall come trembling from the west;

11 They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses," says the LORD.

12 "Ephraim has encircle Me with lies, and the house of Isreal woth deciet; but Judah still walks with God, even with the Holy One who is faithful. HOSEA 11

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