1“When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2The more they called to them, the more they went away from them. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to idols.
3Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
4I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love, and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.
5They will not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to repent.
6The sword will fall on their cities and will destroy the bars of their gates, and will put an end to their plans.
7My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly will not exalt them.
8How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.
9I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of you, and I will not come in wrath.
10They will walk after Yahweh, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.
11They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of the land of Assyria, and I will settle them in their houses, says Yahweh.
12Ephraim surrounds me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even the Holy One, who is faithful.
REV Bible
