3 I was the one who taught the people of Ephraim to walk.I took them by the hand.But they didn’t realize that I had healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with ropes of love.I removed the yokes from their necks.I bent down and fed them.
5 “They will not return to Egypt.Instead, Assyria will rule thembecause they have refused to return to me.
6 War will sweep through their cities,demolish their city gates,and put an end to their plans.
7 My people are determined to turn away from me.Even if they call to the Most High,he will not pardon them.
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 Zeboim?I have changed my mind.I am deeply moved.
9 I will not act on my burning anger.I will not destroy Ephraim again.I am God, not a human.I am the Holy One among you,and I will not come to you in anger.