[1] "When Israel was a child, I loved him as a son and brought him out of Egypt. [2] But the more I called to him, the more he rebelled, sacrificing to Baal and burning incense to idols. [3] I trained him from infancy, I taught him to walk, I held him in my arms. But he doesn't know or even care that it was I who raised him. [4] "As a man would lead his favorite ox, so I led Israel with my ropes of love. I loosened his muzzle so he could eat. I myself have stooped and fed him. [5] But my people shall return to Egypt and Assyria because they won't return to me. [6] "War will swirl through their cities; their enemies will crash through their gates and trap them in their own fortresses. [7] For my people are determined to desert me. And so I have sentenced them to slavery, and no one shall set them free. [8] "Oh, how can I give you up, my Ephraim? How can I let you go? How can I forsake you like Admah and Zeboiim? My heart cries out within me; how I long to help you! [9] No, I will not punish you as much as my fierce anger tells me to. This is the last time I will destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man; I am the Holy One living among you, and I did not come to destroy. [10] "For the people shall walk after the Lord. I shall roar as a lion at their enemies and my people shall return trembling from the west. [11] Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt-like doves flying from Assyria. And I will bring them home again; it is a promise from the Lord." [12] Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit, but Judah still trusts in God and is faithful to the Holy One.
