1. When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
2. The more they called them, the more they departed from Me. They kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.
3. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them in My arms, but they never knew that I healed them.
4. I led them with human cords,with ropes of love. To them I was like onewho eases the yoke from their jaws; I bent down to give them food.
5. Israel will not return to the land of Egyptand Assyria will be his king, because they refused to repent.
6. A sword will whirl through his cities; it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates, because of their schemes.
7. My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to Him on high,He will not exalt them at all.
8. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel?How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? I have had a change of heart;My compassion is stirred!
9. I will not vent the full fury of My anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man,the Holy One among you; I will not come in rage.
10. They will follow the Lord; He will roar like a lion. When He roars,His children will come trembling from the west.
11. They will be roused like birds from Egyptand like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes. This is the Lord’s declaration.
12. Ephraim surrounds me with lies, the house of Israel, with deceit.Judah still wanders with Godand is faithful to the holy ones.