1 “When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
2 They called out to them but they departed from their presence. They kept sacrificing to the Baalim and burning incense up to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them on My arms. But they never acknowledged that I had healed them.
4 With human cords I was drawing them, with bonds of love, and I became to them as One lifting a yoke from their jaws. I bent down to them and fed them.
5 He will not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian will be his king— because they refused to return.
6 So a sword will fall on his cities, and destroy and devour his gate bars because of their own counsels.
7 So My people are bent on turning from Me. Although they are being called upwards, none will rise up.
8 “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you as Zeboim? My heart is turning over within Me. My compassions are kindled.
9 I will not vent My fierce anger. I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God—not a man— the Holy One in the midst of you, and I will not come in fury.”
10 They will walk after Adonai. He will roar like a lion. Indeed, He will roar and the children will come trembling from the west.
11 “They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria, and I will settle them in their houses.” It is a declaration of Adonai.