2 The more they were called,the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baalsand burning offerings to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;I took them up by their arms,but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led them with cords of kindness,with the bands of love,and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,and I bent down to them and fed them.
5 They shall not return to the land of Egypt,but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.
6 The sword shall rage against their cities,consume the bars of their gates,and devour them because of their own counsels.
7 My people are bent on turning away from me,and though they call out to the Most High,he shall not raise them up at all.
8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah?How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me;my compassion grows warm and tender.