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.

⁹ Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh: say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished;

¹⁰ it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it condemns every tree.

¹¹ It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer.

¹² Cry and wail, son of man; for it is on my people, it is on all the princes of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; strike therefore on your thigh.

¹³ For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that condemns shall be no more? says the Lord Yahweh.

¹⁴ You therefore, son of man, prophesy, and strike your hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one who is deadly wounded, which enters into their rooms.

¹⁵ I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.