1 \"When Israel was a child, then I loved him, And called my son out of Egypt.
2 They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to engraved images.
3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by his arms; But they didn't know that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; And I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; And I bent down to him and I fed him.
5 \"They won't return into the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian will be their king, Because they refused to repent.
6 The sword will fall on their cities, And will consume their gate bars, And will put an end to their plans.
7 My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, He certainly won't exalt them.
8 \"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, My compassion is aroused.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim: For I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of you; And I will not come in wrath.
10 They will walk after Yahweh, Who will roar like a lion; For he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.
11 They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, And like a dove out of the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses,\" says Yahweh.
12 Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, And the house of Israel with deceit; And Judah still us unruly with God, And is unfaithful to the Holy One.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Today's Verse
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Verse Of The DayVerse 8's anguished question, 'how shall I give thee up, Ephraim?' shows mercy overruling anger before Hosea 12 turns back to Israel's present deceit. Matthew applies the Egypt-calling of verse 1 to Jesus in Matthew 2:15.
