¹ When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

² The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

³ Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms; but they knew not that I healed them.

⁴ I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them.

⁵ They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return [to me].

⁶ And the sword shall fall upon their cities, and shall consume their bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels.

⁷ And my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to [him that is] on high, none at all will exalt [him].

⁸ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.

⁹ I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in wrath.

¹⁰ They shall walk after Jehovah, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west.

¹¹ They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah.

¹² Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Holy One.

¹⁰ I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have carried away your horses; and I have made the stench of your camp to come up even into your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Jehovah.