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Hosea 11 (CEV)

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¹ When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. ² But as the saying goes, "The more they were called, the more they rebelled." They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to the idols of Baal. ³ I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. ⁴ I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me; I bent down to feed them. ⁵ But they trusted Egypt instead of returning to me; now Assyria will rule them. ⁶ War will visit their cities, and their plans will fail. ⁷ My people are determined to reject me for a god they think is stronger, but he can't help. ⁸ Israel, I can't let you go. I can't give you up. How could I possibly destroy you as I did the towns of Admah and Zeboiim? I just can't do it. My feelings for you are much too strong. ⁹ Israel, I won't lose my temper and destroy you again. I am the Holy God-- not merely some human, and I won't stay angry. ¹⁰ I, the LORD, will roar like a lion, and my children will return, trembling from the west. ¹¹ They will come back, fluttering like birds from Egypt or like doves from Assyria. Then I will bring them back to their homes. I, the LORD, have spoken! ¹² Israel is deceitful to me, their loyal and holy God; they surround me with lies, and Judah worships other gods.