2 The more I called them,the farther they went from me,Sacrificing to the Baalsand burning incense to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,who took them in my arms;but they did not know that I cared for them.
4 I drew them with human cords,with bands of love;I fostered them like thosewho raise an infant to their cheeks;I bent down to feed them.
5 He shall return to the land of Egypt,Assyria shall be his king,because they have refused to repent.
6 The sword shall rage in his cities:it shall destroy his diviners,and devour them because of their schemings.
7 My people have their mind set on apostasy;though they call on God in unison,he shall not raise them up.
8 How could I give you up, Ephraim,or deliver you up, Israel?How could I treat you as Admah,or make you like Zeboiim? My heart is overwhelmed,my pity is stirred.