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 sacrifice to the Baals, and burn incense to graven images.
3 I also taught Ephraim to go; He took them on His arm. 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 take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently give food to him.
5 He shall not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6 And the sword shall remain on his cities, and shall destroy 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 you up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver you, Israel? How shall I make you like Admah? How shall I set you as Zeboim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassions are kindled together.
9 I will not carry out the heat of My anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst; and I will not enter into the city.
10 They shall walk after Jehovah; He shall roar like a lion. When He shall roar, then the sons shall tremble from the west.
11 They shall tremble like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of the land of Assyria. And I will place them in their houses, says Jehovah.