1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,and I called my son out of Egypt.
2 But the more I called to him,the farther he moved from me,offering sacrifices to the images of Baaland burning incense to idols.
3 I myself taught Israel how to walk,leading him along by the hand.But he doesn’t know or even carethat it was I who took care of him.
4 I led Israel alongwith my ropes of kindness and love.I lifted the yoke from his neck,and I myself stooped to feed him.
5 “But since my people refuse to return to me,they will return to Egyptand will be forced to serve Assyria.
6 War will swirl through their cities;their enemies will crash through their gates.They will destroy them,trapping them in their own evil plans.