"If they ask why I did not slip away from Pharaoh and escape his power, say that Hosea desired to enter on his new office as a true man, unstained by perjury or, if it is the will of God, to die one.

Now repeat the message." Ephraim obeyed; his uncle's remarks must have sunk deep into his soul; for he neither forgot nor altered a single word.

But scarcely had he performed the task of repetition when, with impetuous earnestness, he grasped Hosea's hand and besought him to tell him whether he had any cause to fear for his life.
The warrior clasped him affectionately in his arms and answered that he hoped he had entrusted this message to him only to have it forgotten.
"Perhaps," he added, "they will strive to keep me by force, but by God's help I shall soon be with you again, and we will ride to Succoth together." With these words he hurried out, unheeding the questions his nephew called after him; for he had heard the rattle of wheels outside.

Two chariots, drawn by mettled steeds, rapidly approached the tent and stopped directly before the entrance..