[1] When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. [2] But the more I called Israel, the farther they departed from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images. [3] It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms, but they never realized that it was I who healed them. [4] I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them. [5] Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent? [6] A sword will flash through their cities; it will destroy the bars of their gates and consume them in their own plans. [7] My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them. [8] How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred! [9] I will not execute the full fury of My anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man —the Holy One among you —and I will not come in wrath. [10] They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west. [11] They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD. [12] Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful to the Holy One.
