2 But the more they were called,the more they went away from me.They sacrificed to the Baalsand they burned incense to images.
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,taking them by the arms;but they did not realiseit was I who healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness,with ties of love.To them I was like one who liftsa little child to the cheek,and I bent down to feed them.
5 ‘Will they not return to Egyptand will not Assyria rule over thembecause they refuse to repent?
6 A sword will flash in their cities;it will devour their false prophetsand put an end to their plans.
7 My people are determined to turn from me.Even though they call me God Most High,I will by no means exalt them.
8 ‘How can I give you up, Ephraim?How can I hand you over, Israel?How can I treat you like Admah?How can I make you like Zeboyim?My heart is changed within me;all my compassion is aroused.