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.
7 For my people are determined to desert me.They call me the Most High,but they don’t truly honor me.
8 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?How can I let you go?How can I destroy you like Admahor demolish you like Zeboiim?My heart is torn within me,and my compassion overflows.
9 No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.I will not completely destroy Israel,for I am God and not a mere mortal.I am the Holy One living among you,and I will not come to destroy.
10 For someday the people will follow me.I, the lord, will roar like a lion.And when I roar,my people will return trembling from the west.