2 “They called to them, so they went from their face. They slaughtered to the Ba‛als, and burned incense to carved images.
3 “And I taught Ephrayim to walk, taking them by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
4 “I drew them with ropes of man, with cords of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. And I bent down, fed them.
5 “No, let him return to the land of Mitsrayim, and let Ashshur be his sovereign, because they refused to repent!
6 “And the sword shall whirl in his cities, and it shall demolish his gate bars, and consume, because of their own counsels.
7 “My people are bent towards backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, He lifts none of them up.
8 “How could I give you up, Ephrayim? How could I hand you over, Yisra’ĕl? How could I make you like Aḏmah? How could I set you like Tseḇoyim? My heart turns within Me, all My compassion is kindled.