^1. "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

^2. But the more I [2] called Israel, the further they went from me. [1] They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images.

^3. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.

^4. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.

^5. "Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?

^6. Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans.

^7. My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them.

^8. "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.

^9. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man-- the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath. [3]

^10. They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.

^11. They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD.

^12. Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is unruly against God, even against the faithful Holy One.