[1] When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
[2] The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept
sacrificing to the Ba'als, and burning incense to idols. [3] Yet it was I
who taught E'phraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not
know that I healed them. [4] I led them with cords of compassion, with the
bands of love, and I became to them as one, who eases the yoke on their
jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. [5] They shall return to the
land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused
to return to me. [6] The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the
bars of their gates, and devour them in their fortresses. [7] My people are
bent on turning away from me; so they are appointed to the yoke, and none
shall remove it. [8] How can I give you up, O E'phraim! How can I hand you
over, O Israel! How can I make you like Admah! How can I treat you like
Zeboi'im! My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender.
[9] I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy E'phraim;
for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come
to destroy. [10] They shall go after the LORD, he will roar like a lion;
yea, he will roar, and his sons shall come trembling from the west; [11]
they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the
land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the LORD. [12]
E'phraim has encompassed me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit;
but Judah is still known by God, and is faithful to the Holy One.
