4. I led them with ropes, but they were ropes of love. I was like a person who set them free. I bent down and fed them.
5. “The Israelites will not go back to Egypt. The king of Assyria will become their king, because they refused to turn back to God.
6. The sword will swing against their cities and kill their strong men. It will destroy their leaders.
7. “My people expect me to come back. They will call to God above, but he will not help them.”
8. “Ephraim, I don’t want to give you up. Israel, I want to protect you. I don’t want to make you like Admah. I don’t want to make you like Zeboiim. I am changing my mind. My love for you is too strong.
9. I will not let my terrible anger win. I will not destroy Ephraim again. I am God and not a human. I am the Holy One. I am with you. I will not show my anger.