2 The more I called them,the further they went from me;they kept sacrificing to the Baals,and they burned incense to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;I took them up in my arms,but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led themwith bands of human kindness,with cords of love.I treated them like thosewho lift infants to their cheeks;I bent down to them and fed them.
5 They will return to the land of Egypt,and Assyria will be their king,because they have refused to return to me.
6 The sword will strike wildly in their cities;it will consume the bars of their gatesand will take everything because of their schemes.
7 My people are bent on turning away from me;and though they cry out to the Most High,he will not raise them up.
8 How can I give you up, Ephraim?How can I hand you over, Israel?How can I make you like Admah?How can I treat you like Zeboiim?My heart winces within me;my compassion grows warm and tender.