Oséias 11

The Lord’s Love for Israel

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

and I called my son out of Egypt.

2 But the more I called to him,

the farther he moved from me,*11:2 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads the more they called to him, the farther he moved from them.

offering sacrifices to the images of Baal

and burning incense to idols.

3 I myself taught Israel*11:3 Hebrew Ephraim, referring to the northern kingdom of Israel; also in 11:8, 9, 12. how to walk,

leading him along by the hand.

But he doesn’t know or even care

that it was I who took care of him.

4 I led Israel along

with my ropes of kindness and love.

I lifted the yoke from his neck,

and I myself stooped to feed him.

5 "But since my people refuse to return to me,

they will return to Egypt

and will be forced to serve Assyria.

6 War will swirl through their cities;

their enemies will crash through their gates.

They will destroy them,

trapping them in their own evil plans.

7 For my people are determined to desert me.

They call me the Most High,

but they don’t truly honor me.

8 "Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?

How can I let you go?

How can I destroy you like Admah

or demolish you like Zeboiim?

My heart is torn within me,

and my compassion overflows.

9 No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.

I will not completely destroy Israel,

for I am God and not a mere mortal.

I am the Holy One living among you,

and I will not come to destroy.

10 For someday the people will follow me.

I, the Lord, will roar like a lion.

And when I roar,

my people will return trembling from the west.

11 Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.

Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.

And I will bring them home again,"

says the Lord.

Charges against Israel and Judah

12 * 11:12a Verse 11:12 is numbered 12:1 in Hebrew text. Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit,

but Judah still obeys God

and is faithful to the Holy One.*11:12b Or and Judah is unruly against God, the faithful Holy One. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.