Nevi'im (Prophets) » Hosea (Hoshea)

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

The more they called them, the more they went from them; they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and offered to graven images.

And I, I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I fed them gently.

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

And the sword shall fall upon his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

And My people are in suspense about returning to Me; and though they call them upwards, none at all will lift himself up.

How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I surrender thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within Me, My compassions are kindled together.

I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in fury.

They shall walk after the Lord, who shall roar like a lion; for He shall roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west.

They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith the Lord.