God's Love for Rebellious Israel
Hosea 11, verse 1. “For Israel is a child, and I loved him, And out of Egypt I have called his children. Hosea 11, verse 2. As I called them, So they departed from My presence. They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to graven images. Hosea 11, verse 3. “Yet I bound the feet of Ephraim. I took him on My arm, But they did not know that I healed them. Hosea 11, verse 4. When men were destroyed, I drew them with the bands of My love, And I will be to them as a man Smiting another on his cheek. I will look with favor to him; I will prevail with him. Hosea 11, verse 5. “Ephraim dwelt in Egypt; And the Assyrian himself was his king, Because he would not return. Hosea 11, verse 6. The sword became weak in his cities, And he ceased to war with his hands; For they shall consume themselves With their own intrigues. Hosea 11, verse 7. His people shall hold onto His habitation; But God shall be angry with His precious things, And shall not at all exalt him. Hosea 11, verse 8. “How shall I deal with you, Ephraim? How shall I protect you, Israel? What shall I do with you? I will make you as Admah and as Zeboiim. My heart is turned about; My repentance is utterly thrown into confusion. Hosea 11, verse 9. I will not act according to the fury of My wrath; I will not abandon Ephraim to be utterly destroyed. For I am God and not man; The Holy One among you; And I will not enter into the city. Hosea 11, verse 10. “I will go after the Lord. He shall utter His voice as a lion; For He shall roar, And the children of the waters shall be amazed. Hosea 11, verse 11. They shall be amazed as a bird out of Egypt And as a dove out of the land of the Assyrians; And I will restore them to their houses,” Says the Lord.