1 When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.
2 The more they called them, The more they went from them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to idols.
3 Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them.
5 They will not return to the land of Egypt; But Assyria-he will be their king Because they refused to return to Me.
6 The sword will whirl against their cities, And will demolish their gate bars And consume them because of their counsels.
7 So My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call them to the One on high, None at all exalts Him.