1. “When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
2. They called out to them but they departed from their presence. They kept sacrificing to the Baalim and burning incense up to idols.
3. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them on My arms. But they never acknowledged that I had healed them.
4. With human cords I was drawing them, with bonds of love, and I became to them as One lifting a yoke from their jaws. I bent down to them and fed them.
5. He will not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian will be his king— because they refused to return.
6. So a sword will fall on his cities, and destroy and devour his gate bars because of their own counsels.
7. So My people are bent on turning from Me. Although they are being called upwards, none will rise up.
8. “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you as Zeboim? My heart is turning over within Me. My compassions are kindled.
9. I will not vent My fierce anger. I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God—not a man— the Holy One in the midst of you, and I will not come in fury.”
10. They will walk after Adonai. He will roar like a lion. Indeed, He will roar and the children will come trembling from the west.
11. “They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria, and I will settle them in their houses.” It is a declaration of Adonai.