Hosea 11:1-11

When Israel was a child, I loved him,  and out of Egypt I called my son.  Israel called to the Egyptians  even as Israel was leaving them.  They kept sacrificing to the Baals  and burning offerings to idols.  It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,  taking them  by the hand,  , but they never knew that I healed them.  I led them with human cords, with ropes of love.  To them I was like one who eases the yoke from their jaws;  I bent down to give them food.  Israel will not return to the land of Egypt and Assyria will be his king,  because they refused to repent.  A sword will whirl through his cities;  it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates,  , because of their schemes.  My people are bent on turning from me.  Though they call to him on high, he will not exalt them at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim?  How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah?  How can I treat you like Zeboiim?  I have had a change of heart; my compassion is stirred! I will not vent the full fury of my anger;  I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim.  For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you;  I will not come in rage.  They will follow the  LORD;  he will roar like a lion.  When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.  They will be roused like birds from Egypt and like doves  from the land of Assyria.  Then I will settle them in their homes.  This is the  LORD’s declaration.