Hosea 11
God Yearns for His
Wayward People |
1 |
When Israel was a child, then I
loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. Mt. 2.15
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2 |
As they called them, so they went
from them: they sacrificed unto Ba'alim, and burned incense to
graven images.
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3 |
I taught E'phra-im also to go, taking
them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.
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4 |
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 laid meat unto them.
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5 |
He shall not return into the land of
Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to
return.
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6 |
And the sword shall abide on his cities,
and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of
their own counsels.
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7 |
And my people are bent to backsliding
from me: though they called them to the Most High, none at all would
exalt him.
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8 |
How shall I give thee up, E'phra-im? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as
Admah? how shall I set thee as Zebo'im? Deut. 29.23 mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled
together.
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9 |
I will not execute the fierceness of mine
anger, I will not return to destroy E'phra-im: for I am God,
and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter
into the city.
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10 |
They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar,
then the children shall tremble from the west.
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11 |
They shall tremble as a bird out of
Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place
them in their houses, saith the LORD.
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12 |
E'phra-im compasseth me about with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God,
and is faithful with the saints.
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