[1] When Israel was a child he was dear to me; and I took my son out of
Egypt. [2] When I sent for them, then they went away from me; they made
offerings to the Baals, burning perfumes to images. [3] But I was guiding
Ephraim's footsteps; I took them up in my arms, but they were not conscious
that I was ready to make them well. [4] I made them come after me with the
cords of a man, with the bands of love; I was to them as one who took the
yoke from off their mouths, putting meat before them. [5] He will go back
to the land of Egypt and the Assyrian will be his king, because they would
not come back to me. [6] And the sword will go through his towns, wasting
his children and causing destruction because of their evil designs. [7] My
people are given up to sinning against me; though their voice goes up on
high, no one will be lifting them up. [8] How may I give you up, O Ephraim?
how may I be your saviour, O Israel? how may I make you like Admah? how may
I do to you as I did to Zeboim? My heart is turned in me, it is soft with
pity. [9] I will not put into effect the heat of my wrath; I will not again
send destruction on Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One among
you; I will not put an end to you. [10] They will go after the Lord; his
cry will be like that of a lion; his cry will be loud, and the children
will come from the west, shaking with fear; [11] Shaking with fear like a
bird, they will come out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria:
and I will give them rest in their houses, says the Lord.
