[1] The LORD says, "When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son. [2] But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols. [3] Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them. [4] I drew them to me with affection and love. I picked them up and held them to my cheek; I bent down to them and fed them. [5] "They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them. [6] War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best. [7] They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them. [8] "How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong. [9] I will not punish you in my anger; I will not destroy Israel again. For I am God and not a mere human being. I, the Holy One, am with you. I will not come to you in anger. [10] "My people will follow me when I roar like a lion at their enemies. They will hurry to me from the west. [11] They will come from Egypt, as swiftly as birds, and from Assyria, like doves. I will bring them to their homes again. I, the LORD, have spoken." [12] The LORD says, "The people of Israel have surrounded me with lies and deceit, and the people of Judah are still rebelling against me, the faithful and holy God.
