As I read Hosea 11:1-9, the meaning is not very clear to me. NOAB Version: When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they turned away from me and sacrificed to the Baals and offered incense to the idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in my arms; but they did not know that I had healed them. I guided them with cords of human kindness, with bonds of love. I was for them like those who lift children to their cheeks. I bent over them and fed them. They will return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria will be their king, because they refused to return to me. The sword rages in their cities, devours their oracle priests, and devours because of their machinations. My people are determined to turn their backs on me. They call upon the Most High, but he does not lift them up at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I deliver you, O Israel? How can I please you Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart withdraws within me; my compassion becomes warm and tender. I will not give vent to my burning anger; I will no longer destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a mortal, the Holy One among you, and I will not come in wrath. (Michael Coogan 2010, 1271) I have read several translations and something more becomes clear. Although there are slight differences in each translation, I have begun to understand what these verses from Hosea are trying to say. The first verse in this NOAB passage is When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son (Michael Coogan 2010, 1271). In the various translations I have read this verse has changed very little. In the Good News Bible it is quoted: The Lord says: “When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him... middle of the paper... he brought me closer to God. He made me want to study the Bible even more. more, and I know I will. If I don't do it for this reason, I know God will forgive me, be there for me, and love me anyway. Works Cited “The New Oxford Annotated Bible.” Hosea, edited by Michael Coogan, 1271. New York, New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.BibleStudyTools.com." http://www.biblestudytools.com/hosea/passage.aspx?q=hosea 11:1- 9 (accessed 6 December 2013).Coogan, Michael A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament New York, New York: Oxford University Press,. (accessed 6 December 2013). ". Volume 2 DH, pp. 894-899. Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 2009. Foster, Sean "Hopedale Presbyterian Church. "Stubborn Love. http://hopedalechurch.ca/2013/08/stubborn-love/ (accessed December 6, 2013).