3 Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk.I took my people up in my arms,but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them.
4 I drew them to me with affection and love.I picked them up and held them to my cheek;I bent down to them and fed them.
5 “They refuse to return to me, and so they must return to Egypt, and Assyria will rule them.
6 War will sweep through their cities and break down the city gates. It will destroy my people because they do what they themselves think best.
7 They insist on turning away from me. They will cry out because of the yoke that is on them, but no one will lift it from them.
8 “How can I give you up, Israel?How can I abandon you?Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah,or treat you as I did Zeboiim?My heart will not let me do it!My love for you is too strong.
9 I will not punish you in my anger;I will not destroy Israel again.For I am God and not a mere human being.I, the Holy One, am with you.I will not come to you in anger.