103 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
103 lines
1.8 KiB
Markdown
The LORD's Love for Israel
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# Chapter 11
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1. "When Israel was a child, I loved him,
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and I called my son out of Egypt.
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2. But the more I called to him,
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the farther he moved from me,
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offering sacrifices to the images of Baal
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and burning incense to idols.
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3. I myself taught Israel how to walk,
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leading him along by the hand.
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But he doesn't know or even care
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that it was I who took care of him.
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4. I led Israel along
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with my ropes of kindness and love.
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I lifted the yoke from his neck,
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and I myself stooped to feed him.
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5. "But since my people refuse to return to me,
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they will return to Egypt
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and will be forced to serve Assyria.
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6. War will swirl through their cities;
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their enemies will crash through their gates.
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They will destroy them,
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trapping them in their own evil plans.
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7. For my people are determined to desert me.
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They call me the Most High,
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but they don't truly honor me.
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8. "Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?
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How can I let you go?
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How can I destroy you like Admah
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or demolish you like Zeboiim?
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My heart is torn within me,
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and my compassion overflows.
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9. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.
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I will not completely destroy Israel,
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for I am God and not a mere mortal.
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I am the Holy One living among you,
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and I will not come to destroy.
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10. For someday the people will follow me.
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I, the LORD, will roar like a lion.
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And when I roar,
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my people will return trembling from the west.
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11. Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.
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Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.
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And I will bring them home again,"
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says the LORD.
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Charges against Israel and Judah
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12. Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit,
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but Judah still obeys God
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and is faithful to the Holy One.
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