1When Israel was a boy, I loved him and called my son out of Egypt.
2As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3Even with all this I guided the feet of this same Ephraim, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I cared for them.
4I drew them with human cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those that raise the yoke from upon their cheeks, and I fed them.
5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king because they refused to be converted.
6And the sword shall fall upon his cities and shall consume his villages and devour them because of their own counsels.
7Meanwhile, my people adhere to the rebellion against me though they call unto me upon High; absolutely none at all wish to exalt me.
8How must I leave thee, Ephraim? how shall I give thee up, Israel? how could I make thee as Admah? nor set thee as Zeboim? my heart churns within me; all my compassion is inflamed.
9I will not execute the fierceness of my 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.
10They shall walk after the LORD; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the sons shall come trembling from the west.
11As a bird they shall move speedily out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD.
12Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet rules with God and is faithful with the saints.