11Hosea 11

God's Love for His People

1When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.Select Hosea 11:1

2But as the saying goes, “The more they were called, the more they rebelled.” They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to the idols of Baal.Select Hosea 11:2

3I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them.Select Hosea 11:3

4I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them.Select Hosea 11:4

5But they rejected me, and so must return to Egypt; now Assyria will rule them.Select Hosea 11:5

6War will visit their cities, and their plans will fail.Select Hosea 11:6

7My people are determined to reject me for a god they think is stronger, but he can't help.Select Hosea 11:7

8Israel, I can't let you go. I can't give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can't do it. My feelings for you are much too strong.Select Hosea 11:8

9Israel, I won't lose my temper and destroy you again. I am the Holy God— not merely some human, and I won't stay angry.Select Hosea 11:9

10I, the Lord, will roar like a lion, and my children will return, trembling from the west.Select Hosea 11:10

11They will come back, fluttering like birds from Egypt or like doves from Assyria. Then I will bring them back to their homes. I, the Lord, have spoken!Select Hosea 11:11

Israel and Judah Compared

12Israel is deceitful to me, their loyal and holy God; they surround me with lies, and Judah worships other gods.Select Hosea 11:12