1
When Israel was a child , then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son .
2
As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baals , and burned incense to graven images .
3
And I it was that taught Ephraim to walk , -- He took them upon his arms , -- but they knew not that I healed them.
4
I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws , and I gently caused them to eat .
5
He shall not return into the land of Egypt , but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return [to me];
6
and the sword shall turn about in his cities , and shall consume his bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels.
7
Yea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High , none at all exalteth [him].
8
How shall I give thee over, Ephraim ? [how] shall I deliver thee up, Israel ? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
9
I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger , I will not again destroy Ephraim ; for I am ùGod, and not man , -- the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not come in anger .
10
They shall walk after Jehovah ; he shall roar like a lion ; when he shall roar, then the children shall hasten from the west:
11
they shall hasten as a bird out of Egypt , and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will cause them to dwell in their houses , saith Jehovah .
12
Ephraim encompasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit ; but Judah yet walketh with ùGod, and with the holy things of truth.