1. When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2. As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3. I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.
4. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
5. He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6. And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
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.