1. "When Israel was a child, I loved him. And I called My son out of Egypt.
2. The more I called them, the more they went from Me. They kept giving gifts in worship to the Baals and burning special perfume to false gods.
3. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them in My arms. But they did not know that I healed them.
4. I led them with ropes of human kindness, with ties of love. I lifted the load from their neck and went down to feed them.
5. "They will not return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria will be their king, because they would not return to Me.
6. The sword will come upon their cities and destroy their gates. And it will destroy them because of their plans.
7. My people are always turning from Me. Even when those who speak for the Lord call them to the Most High, no one honors Him.
8. "How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I give you up, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart will not let Me do it. I love you very much.
9. I will not do anything in My burning anger. I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man. I am the Holy One among you, and I will not come in anger.
10. They will follow the Lord, and He will make noise like a lion. Yes, He will make noise like a lion, and His children will come from the west shaking with fear.
11. They will come shaking like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria. And I will return them to their homes'" says the Lord.
12. "The lies of Ephraim and the lies of the people of Israel are all around Me. And Judah will not obey God, the One Who is holy and faithful."