1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.
2 The more they called them, the more they went from them; They sacrificed unto the Baalim, And offered to graven images.
3 And I, I taught Ephraim to walk, Taking them by their 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 fed them gently.
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 them, Because of their own counsels.
7 And My people are in suspense about returning to Me; And though they call them upwards, None at all will lift himself up.
8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I surrender thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? 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 fury.
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.