1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and I called My Son out of Egypt.
2 As they called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to graven images.
3 I also taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms. But they did not know that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love. And I was to them as those who lift off the yoke from their jaws; and I held out food to them.
5 He shall not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to come back.
6 And the sword shall whirl about in his cities, and shall bring to an end his isolated districts, and shall consume them, because of their own counsels.
7 And My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, no one at all exalts Him.
8 How shall I give you up, Ephraim? Shall I deliver you up, Israel? How shall I make you like Admah? Shall I set you as Zeboim? My heart churns within Me; My compassions are kindled together.
9 I will not execute My burning anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim. For I am the Mighty God, and not a man, the Holy One in your midst. And I will not enter into the city with terror.
10 They shall walk after Jehovah; He shall roar like a lion. When He roars, then His sons shall tremble from the west.
11 They shall tremble as a bird from Egypt, and as a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will make them live in their houses, says Jehovah.
12 Ephraim circles around Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God and is faithful with the saints.