[1] "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called My son out of Egypt. [2] As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. [3] I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. [4] I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke from their jaws, and Ilaid meat before them. [5] "He shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. [6] And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches and devour them, because of their own counsels. [7] And My people are bent on backsliding from Me; though they called them to the Most High, none at all would exalt Him. [8] "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboiim? Mine heart is turned within Me; My repentings are kindled together. [9] I will not execute the fierceness of Mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not enter into the city. [10] "They shall walk after the LORD; He shall roar like a lion. When He shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. [11] They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will place them in their houses," saith the LORD. [12] Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
