Hosea’s warnings and a promise: Hosea 9−14

See: A background to Hosea’s warnings

If you’re struggling with the idea of God wanting loyalty and love from his people, here’s a clue to why He cares:

^{Hosea 9:10} O Israel, when I first found you,
it was like finding fresh grapes in the desert.
When I saw your ancestors,
it was like seeing the first ripe figs of the season…

And again:

^{Hosea 11:1-4} When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and I called my son out of Egypt. …
³ I myself taught Israel how to walk,
leading him along by the hand.
But he doesn’t know or even care
that it was I who took care of him.
I led Israel along
with my ropes of kindness and love.
I lifted the yoke from his neck,
and I myself stooped to feed him.