1 "When Israel was a young child I loved him, and from Egypt I called my son.
2 The more I called out to them, the farther they fled from me; they sacrificed to Baals, burning incense to carved images.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, supporting them by their arms, but they never knew that I was healing them.
4 I guided them with human kindness, with loving reins. I acted toward them like one who removes a yoke from their neck; I bent down and fed them.
5 "They will not return to the land of Egypt; instead, the Assyrian will be their king, because they kept refusing to repent.
6 The sword will fall on their cities, consuming and devouring their fortified gates, despite their planning.
7 My people are determined to turn away from me; though they call to the Most High, no one is worshiping.
8 "How can I give up on you, Ephraim? I will deliver you, will I not, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? I can't make you like Zeboim, can I? My heart stirs within me; my compassion also fans into flame!
9 I will not act in my anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim, For I am God, and not a human the Holy One among you so I will not enter the city in anger.
10 They will go after the LORD, who will roar like a lion; and when he roars, the children will come trembling from the west.
11 Trembling like a bird, they will come out of Egypt, and as a dove from the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses," declares the LORD.