Banchory Christian Fellowship Church

Hosea 11:1-11 English Standard Version The Lord's Love for Israel 11 When Israel was a child, I loved him,     and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more they were called,     the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals     and burning offerings to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;     I took them up by their arms,     but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of kindness,[a]     with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,     and I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They shall not[b] return to the land of Egypt,     but Assyria shall be their king,     because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword shall rage against their cities,     consume the bars of their gates,     and devour them because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me,     and though they call out to the Most High,     he shall not raise them up at all. 8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?     How can I hand yo