1. When Israel was a child, I loved him,and out of Egypt I called My son.
2. As I called them,so they went from Me.They sacrificed to the Baalsand burned incense to idols.
3. I taught Ephraim to walk,taking them up in My arms,but they did not knowthat I healed them.
4. I drew them with cords of human kindness,with bands of love.I was to them as those who ease the yoke on their neck,and I bent down and fed them.
5. He will return to the land of Egypt,and Assyria will be his king,because they refused to return to Me.
6. The sword slashes in their cities,consumes their oracle-priests,and devours because of their own counsels.
7. My people are bent on backsliding fromMe.Though they called to the Most High,none at all exalt Him.