1When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.
2The more [117]they called them, The more they went away from [118]them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to idols.
3Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, [119]I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them.
4I pulled them along with cords of a man, with ropes of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them.
5[120]They will not return to the land of Egypt; But Assyria—he will be [121]their king Because they refused to return to Me.
6And the sword will whirl against [122]their cities, And will destroy [123]their oracle priests And consume them, because of their counsels.
7So My people are determined to turn from Me. Though [124]they call [125]them to the One on high, None at all exalts Him.
8How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I [126]make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me, [127]All My compassions are kindled.
9I will not carry out My fierce anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in [128]wrath.
10They will walk after the LORD, He will roar like a lion; Indeed He will roar, And His sons will come trembling from the west.
11They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, And like doves from the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses, declares the LORD.
12[129]Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; [130]Judah is still unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful.