6 The sword rages in his cities; it consumes his false prophets and devours because of their plans.
7 My people are bent on backsliding from me. To the Most High they call, he does not raise them 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 is disturbed within me; all my compassions are aroused.
9 I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; because I am God and not a mortal, the Holy One in your midst; and I will not come in wrath.
10 They will go after Yahweh; he roars like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the sea.
11 They will tremble like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will let them return to their homes— a declaration of Yahweh.
12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; and Judah is still wandering with God and is faithful to the Holy One.