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.