1When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.
2The more they were called, the more they went away. They sacrificed to the Baalim, and burned incense to carved images.
3I also taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms. But they did not know that I healed them.
4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift the yoke from their jaws, and I set food before them.
5He will not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian will be his king, because they refused to return.
6The sword will stay on his cities. It will destroy his branches and devour them, because of their own plans.
7My people are bent on turning away from me. Though they called them to the Most High, not one of them would lift him high.
8How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
9I will not carry out the fierceness of my anger. I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Holy One among you, and I will not enter the city.
10They will walk after the LORD. He will roar like a lion. When he roars, then 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 the LORD.