Hosea’s Message

Hosea’s Message

SCRIPTURE READING Hosea 11:1-9
1When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.


2 The more I called them,
the more they went from me;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals,
and offering incense to idols.


3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
I took them up in my arms;
but they did not know that I healed them.


4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks.
I bent down to them and fed them.


5 They shall return to the land of Egypt,
and Assyria shall be their king,
because they have refused to return to me.


6 The sword rages in their cities,
it consumes their oracle-priests,
and devours because of their schemes.


7 My people are bent on turning away from me.
To the Most High they call,
but he does not raise them up at all.


8 How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, O Israel?
How can I make you like Admah?
How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
My heart recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.


9 I will not execute my fierce anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and no mortal,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath.


Reader: Word of God. Word of life.
All: Thanks be to God.