Hosea 11

The Lord’s Love for Israel

1. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, 1 and I called my son out of Egypt.

2. But the more I called to him, 2 the farther he moved from me,[a] 2 offering sacrifices to the images of Baal 2 and burning incense to idols.

3. I myself taught Israel[b] how to walk, 3 leading him along by the hand. 3 But he doesn’t know or even care 3 that it was I who took care of him.

4. I led Israel along 4 with my ropes of kindness and love. 4 I lifted the yoke from his neck, 4 and I myself stooped to feed him.

5. “But since my people refuse to return to me, 5 they will return to Egypt 5 and will be forced to serve Assyria.

6. War will swirl through their cities; 6 their enemies will crash through their gates. 6 They will destroy them, 6 trapping them in their own evil plans.

7. For my people are determined to desert me. 7 They call me the Most High, 7 but they don’t truly honor me.

8. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? 8 How can I let you go? 8 How can I destroy you like Admah 8 or demolish you like Zeboiim? 8 My heart is torn within me, 8 and my compassion overflows.

9. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. 9 I will not completely destroy Israel, 9 for I am God and not a mere mortal. 9 I am the Holy One living among you, 9 and I will not come to destroy.

10. For someday the people will follow me. 10 I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. 10 And when I roar, 10 my people will return trembling from the west.

11. Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt. 11 Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria. 11 And I will bring them home again,” 11 says the Lord.

Charges against Israel and Judah

12. [c]Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit, 12 but Judah still obeys God 12 and is faithful to the Holy One.[d]

Footnotes:
a. 11:2: As in Greek version; Hebrew reads the more they called to him, the farther he moved from them.
b. 11:3: Hebrew Ephraim, referring to the northern kingdom of Israel; also in 11:8, 9, 12.
c. 11:12a: Verse 11:12 is numbered 12:1 in Hebrew text.
d. 11:12b: Or and Judah is unruly against God, the faithful Holy One. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.