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.
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 Zeboyim?My heart churns within Me;My compassion is stirred.
9. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger;I will not again destroy Ephraim.For I am God, and not man,the Holy One in your midst,and I will not come in wrath.
10. They will walk after the Lord,who roars like a lion.When He roars,His children will come trembling from the west.
11. They will come tremblinglike a bird out of Egyptand like a dove from the land of Assyria.And I will let them dwell in their houses,says the Lord.
12. Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies,and the house of Israel with deceit.But Judah still walks with God,and is faithful to the Holy One.