[1] When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. [2] As I called them, so they went from Me. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to idols. [3] I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them up in My arms, but they did not know that I healed them. [4] I drew them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them as those who ease the yoke on their neck, and I bent down and fed them. [5] He will return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria will be his king, because they refused to return to Me. [6] The sword slashes in their cities, consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their own counsels. [7] My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they called to the Most High, none at all exalt Him. [8] How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboyim? My heart churns within Me; My compassion is stirred. [9] I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. [10] They will walk after the LORD, who roars like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west. [11] They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt and like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses, says the LORD. [12] Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit. But Judah still walks with God, and is faithful to the Holy One.
