1
Because Israel [is] a youth , and I love him, Out of Egypt I have called for My Son .
2
They have called to them rightly, They have gone from before them, To lords they do sacrifice, And to graven images they make perfume.
3
And I have caused Ephraim to go on foot, Taking them by their arms , And they have not known that I strengthened them.
4
With cords of man I do draw them, With thick cords of love, And I am to them as a raiser up of a yoke on their jaws , And I incline unto him -- I feed [him].
5
He turneth not back unto the land of Egypt , And Asshur -- he [is] his king, For they have refused to return .
6
Grievous hath been the sword in his cities , And it hath ended his bars, and consumed -- from their own counsels.
7
And My people are hanging in suspense, about My returning, And unto the Most High they do call , Together they exalt not.
8
How do I give thee up, O Ephraim ? Do I deliver thee up, O Israel ? How do I make thee as Admah? Do I set thee as Zeboim? Turned in Me is My heart , kindled together have been My repentings.
9
I do not the fierceness of My anger , I turn not back to destroy Ephraim , For God I [am], and not a man . In thy midst the Holy One, and I enter not in enmity,
10
After Jehovah they go -- as a lion He roareth, When He doth roar, then tremble do the sons from the west.
11
They tremble as a sparrow out of Egypt , And as a dove out of the land of Asshur, And I have caused them to dwell in their own houses , An affirmation of Jehovah .
12
Compassed Me with feigning hath Ephraim , And with deceit the house of Israel . And Judah again is ruling with God, And with the Holy Ones [is] faithful!