Hosea 11:1-7

When Israel was a child [a young nation], I loved him, And I called My son out of Egypt. [Matt 2:15] The more they [the prophets] called them [to repentance and obedience], The more they went away from them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to the carved images. Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them in My arms [nurturing the young nation]; But they did not know that I healed them. I led them gently with cords of a man, with bonds of love [guiding them], And I was to them as one who lifts up and eases the yoke [of the law] over their jaws; And I bent down to them and fed them. ¶They will not return to the land of Egypt, But Assyria will be their king [bringing them into captivity] Because they refused to return to Me. The sword will whirl against and fall on their cities, And will demolish the bars of their gates and fortifications And will consume them because of their counsels. My people are bent on turning from Me; Though the prophets call them to the One on high, None at all exalts Him.