1. When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2. As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3. Yet I taught Ephraim to go; 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 take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat before them.
5. He shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6. And the sword shall fall upon his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour {cf15i them}, because of their own counsels.
7. And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they call them to {cf15i him that is} on high, none at all will exalt {cf15i him}.
8. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? {cf15i how} shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? {cf15i how} shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine 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 enter into the city.
10. They shall walk after the LORD, who shall roar like a lion: for he shall 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 the LORD.
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.