4. I led them with leather cords,with leather ropes;I lifted the yoke from their neck,and gently fed them.
5. They will return to Egypt!Assyria will rule over them because they refuse to repent!
6. A sword will flash in their cities,it will destroy the bars of their city gates,and will devour them in their fortresses.
7. My people are obsessed with turning away from me;they call to Baal, but he will never exalt them!
8. How can I give you up, O Ephraim?How can I surrender you, O Israel?How can I treat you like Admah?How can I make you like Zeboiim?I have had a change of heart!All my tender compassions are aroused!
9. I cannot carry out my fierce anger!I cannot totally destroy Ephraim!Because I am God, and not man – the Holy One among you – I will not come in wrath!
10. He will roar like a lion, and they will follow the Lord;when he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.