Hosea 10:15–11:8

¹⁵You will share that fate, Bethel,

because of your great wickedness.

When the day of judgment dawns,

the king of Israel will be completely destroyed.

Chapter 11

The Lord’s Love for Israel

¹“When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and I called my son out of Egypt.

²But the more I called to him,

the farther he moved from me,

offering sacrifices to the images of Baal

and burning incense to idols.

³I myself taught Israel how to walk,

leading him along by the hand.

But he doesn’t know or even care

that it was I who took care of him.

⁴I led Israel along

with my ropes of kindness and love.

I lifted the yoke from his neck,

and I myself stooped to feed him.

⁵“But since my people refuse to return to me,

they will return to Egypt

and will be forced to serve Assyria.

⁶War will swirl through their cities;

their enemies will crash through their gates.

They will destroy them,

trapping them in their own evil plans.

⁷For my people are determined to desert me.

They call me the Most High,

but they don’t truly honor me.

⁸“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?

How can I let you go?

How can I destroy you like Admah

or demolish you like Zeboiim?

My heart is torn within me,

and my compassion overflows.