2. The more I called them, the farther they went away.They sacrificed to other gods—the Baals,and they burned incense to idols.
3. I was the one who taught the people of Ephraim to walk.I took them by the hand.But they didn’t realize that I had healed them.
4. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love.I removed the yokes from their necks.I bent down and fed them.
5. “They will not return to Egypt.Instead, Assyria will rule thembecause they have refused to return to me.
6. War will sweep through their cities,demolish their city gates,and put an end to their plans.
7. My people are determined to turn away from me.Even if they call to the Most High,he will not pardon them.
8. “How can I give you up, Ephraim?How can I hand you over, Israel?How can I make you like Admah?How can I treat you like Zeboim?I have changed my mind.I am deeply moved.