1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them on my arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who 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 who 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 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 come in wrath.
10 They shall walk after LORD, who will roar like a lion. For he will roar, and the sons 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, says LORD.
12 Ephraim encompasses me around with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah yet rules with God, and is faithful with the Holy One.