1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.
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; He took them up in his arms; but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of man, with bands of love; and I was to them as those who lift up the yoke from their jaws; and I laid food before them.
5 They will not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to return [to me].
6 And the sword will fall on their cities, and will 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 you up, Ephraim? [How] shall I cast you off, Israel? How shall I make you as Admah? [How] shall I set you as Zeboiim? My heart is turned inside 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 you; and I will not come in wrath.
10 They will walk after Yahweh, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the sons will come trembling from the west.
11 They will 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 Yahweh.
12 Ephraim circles me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; and even Judah went down from God and the faithful Holy One.