3 I taught Ephraim to walk,taking them up in My arms,but they did not knowthat I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of human kindness,with bands of love.I was to them as those who ease the yoke on their neck,and I bent down and fed them.
5 He will return to the land of Egypt,and Assyria will be his king,because they refused to return to Me.
6 The sword slashes in their cities,consumes their oracle-priests,and devours because of their own counsels.
7 My people are bent on backsliding fromMe.Though they called to the Most High,none at all exalt Him.
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 Zeboyim?My heart churns within Me;My compassion is stirred.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger;I will not again destroy Ephraim.For I am God, and not man,the Holy One in your midst,and I will not come in wrath.