“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and called My son out of Egypt. But the more I called to Him, the farther he moved from Me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. 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.” (Hosea 11:vv. 1-4, NLT)