(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
1
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
2
But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
3
I myself taught Israel 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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
5
"But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt and will be forced to serve Assyria.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
7
For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don't truly honor me.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
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.
(NLT)
Hosea
11
:
12
Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit, but Judah still obeys God and is faithful to the Holy One.