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 their face. They sacrifice to the Baals, and burn incense to graven images.
3 I also taught Ephraim to go; He took them on His 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 on their jaws; and I extended food to him.
5 He shall not return to the land of Egypt, but he of Assyria shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6 And the sword shall whirl in his cities, and shall bring to an end his bars, and shall consume, because of their own counsels.
7 And My people are bent on backsliding from Me. And they call him to the Most High; no one at all would exalt Him.
8 How shall I give you up, Ephraim? Shall I deliver you, Israel? How shall I make you like Admah? Shall I set you as Zeboim? My heart has turned within Me; My compassions are kindled together.
9 I will not execute the heat of My anger; I will not return to destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not a man, the Holy One in your midst. And I will not enter into the city.
10 They shall walk after Jehovah; He shall roar as a lion. When He roars, then sons shall tremble from the west.
11 They trembled like a bird from Egypt, and like 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 rules with God and is faithful with the saints.