2 But the more I called to the people of Israel,the further they went from me.They offered sacrifices to the Baals.They burned incense to the idols.
3 But it was I who taught Israel to walk.I took them by the arms.But they did not understandthat I had healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness,with ties of love.I lifted the yoke from their neck.I bent down and fed them.
5 “The Israelites will become captives again, as they were in Egypt.The king of Assyria will become their king.This is because they refuse to turn to God.
6 War will sweep through their cities.It will destroy them,because of their wicked plans.
7 My people have made up their mindsto turn away from me.The prophets call them to turn to me.But none of them honors me at all.
8 “Israel, I don’t want to give you up.I don’t want to go away and leave you.I don’t want to make you like Admah.I don’t want to treat you like Zeboiim.My heart beats for you.My love for you stirs up my pity.