3 It was I who taught Israel to walk,and 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 ropes of love.I lifted the yoke from their neckand bent down and fed them.
5 “The Israelites will become captives again, as they were in Egypt,and Assyria will become their king,because they refuse to turn back to God.
6 War will sweep through their citiesand will destroy themand kill 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, how can I give you up?How can I give you away, Israel?I don’t want to make you like Admahor treat you like Zeboiim.My heart beats for you,and my love for you stirs up my pity.
9 I won’t punish you in my anger,and I won’t destroy Israel again.I am God and not a human;I am the Holy One, and I am among you.I will not come against you in anger.