11:1 |
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. |
11:2 |
But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images. |
11:3 |
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. |
11:4 |
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them. |
11:5 |
"Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? |
11:6 |
Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans. |
11:7 |
My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them. |
11:8 |
"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. |
11:9 |
I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man--the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath. |
11:10 |
They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. |
11:11 |
They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD. |
11:12 |
Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One. |
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