When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel—but he incurred guilt through Baal and died. Now they sin more and more, making idols and kissing calves; therefore they shall be like morning mist that vanishes. Yet God is their God from Egypt, their only Savior. Where are your plagues, O Death? Where is your destruction, O Sheol? Compassion is hidden from God's eyes; Samaria shall bear her guilt for rebellion.
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Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."

The wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.

Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.
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God's compassion for Israel, call to return, promise of restoration.



