Oséias 11

God’s Continuing Love for Israel

1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him,

And out of Egypt *Matt. 2:15I called My *Ex. 4:22, 23son.

2 As they called them,

So they *2 Kin. 17:13–15went from them;

They sacrificed to the Baals,

And burned incense to carved images.

3 "I*Deut. 1:31; 32:10, 11 taught Ephraim to walk,

Taking them by their arms;

But they did not know that *Ex. 15:26I healed them.

4 I drew them with gentle cords,

With bands of love,

And *Lev. 26:13I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck.

*Ex. 16:32; Ps. 78:25I 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 *Jer. 3:6, 7; 8:5backsliding from Me.

Though they call to the Most High,

None at all exalt Him.

8 "How*Jer. 9:7 can I give you up, Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, Israel?

How can I make you like *Gen. 14:8; 19:24, 25; Deut. 29:23Admah?

How can I set you like Zeboiim?

My heart churns within Me;

My sympathy is stirred.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger;

I will not again destroy Ephraim.

*Num. 23:19For I am God, and not man,

The Holy One in your midst;

And I will not come with terror.

10 "They shall walk after the Lord.

*Is. 31:4; (Joel 3:16); Amos 1:2He 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,

*Is. 11:11; 60:8; Hos. 7:11Like a dove from the land of Assyria.

*Ezek. 28:25, 26; 34:27, 28And I will let them dwell in their houses,"

Says the Lord.

God’s Charge Against Ephraim

12 "Ephraim has encircled Me with lies,

And the house of Israel with deceit;

But Judah still walks with God,

Even with the Holy One whois faithful.