Hosea 11

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

When Israel was but a young nation, my love for it was boundless. I affectionately summoned my child from the confines of Egypt.

As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

As they were summoned, they strayed away, offering sacrifices to false gods and burning incense to carved idols.

I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

I guided Ephraim, gently leading them, yet they remained unaware of the healing I bestowed upon them.

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.

I gently guided them with human kindness and love, like one who removes a heavy burden from their shoulders, and I provided for their needs.

He shall not return into the land of Egypt, and the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.

He won't go back to Egypt, and an Assyrian will rule over him, all because they stubbornly chose not to turn back.

And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.

The sword will rage through his cities, cutting down their branches and devouring them, because of their own misguided schemes.

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

My people are prone to stray from me, even when called to honor the Highest, they refuse to praise Him.

How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

How can I abandon you, Ephraim? How can I let you go, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah or Zeboim? My heart turns over within me; all my compassion is stirred.

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

I will hold back my intense anger, I won't bring destruction upon Ephraim again. Remember, I am God, not a mere human. I am the Sacred One living among you; I have no intention to invade your city.

They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

They will follow God, who will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.

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.

They will shudder, like a bird fleeing Egypt or a dove escaping Assyria, and I, the Lord, will guide them safely home.

Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

Ephraim surrounds me with falsehoods, and Israel's house is full of deception. Yet, Judah remains loyal to God, standing true with the holy ones.