Reference

Hosea 11:9

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

8

How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

9

I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.

10

They shall walk after the Lord: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

11

They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the Lord.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Destruction / Perishing Language

The verse explicitly states "I will not return to destroy Ephraim," directly contradicting the idea of destruction. Instead, it emphasizes God's decision *not* to execute fierce anger or destroy, based on His divine nature.