1
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.
2
As they called them, So they went from them; They sacrificed to the Baals, And burned incense to carved images.
3
"I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their arms; But they did not know that I healed them.
4
I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them.
5
"He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent.
6
And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels.
7
My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him.
8
"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred.
9
I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.