The beginning of Jehovah speaking by Hosea. And Jehovah said to Hosea, Go, take to yourself a wife of adultery and children of adultery. For the land has utterly gone lusting away from Jehovah.

So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, who conceived and bore him a son.

And she conceived again and bore a daughter. And God said to him, Call her name No-mercy, for I will no more have mercy on the house of Israel. But I will utterly take them away.

So I will return and take away My grain in its time, and my wine in its season, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.

For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth, and they will no more be remembered by their name.

Fornication and wine and new wine take away the heart.

For I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a strong lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear and go away. I will take away, and none shall rescue him.

I also taught Ephraim to go; He took them on His arm. But they did not know that I healed them.

I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as those who take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently give food to him.

He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God.

I gave you a king in My anger, and took him away in My wrath.

Take with you words, and turn to Jehovah. Say to Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously, that we may repay with the calves of our lips.