1. When Israel was a child,I loved him, and I calledmy son out of Egypt.
2. But as the saying goes,“The more they were called,the more they rebelled.”They never stopped offeringincense and sacrificesto the idols of Baal.
3. I took Israel by the armand taught them to walk.But they would not admitthat I was the onewho had healed them.
4. I led them with kindnessand with love,not with ropes.I held them close to me;I bent down to feed them.
5. But they trusted Egyptinstead of returning to me;now Assyria will rule them.
6. War will visit their cities,and their plans will fail.
7. My people are determinedto reject me for a godthey think is stronger,but he can't help.
8. Israel, I can't let you go.I can't give you up.How could I possibly destroy youas I did the towns of Admahand Zeboiim?I just can't do it.My feelings for youare much too strong.
9. Israel, I won't lose my temperand destroy you again.I am the Holy God—not merely a human being,and I won't stay angry.
10. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion,and my children will return,trembling from the west.
11. They will come back,fluttering like birds from Egyptor like doves from Assyria.Then I will bring themback to their homes.I, the Lord, have spoken!