1 When Israel was a child [a young nation], I loved him,

And I called My son out of Egypt. [Matt 2:15]

2 The more they [the prophets] called them [to repentance and obedience],

The more they went away from them;

They kept sacrificing to the Baals

And burning incense to the carved images.

3 Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk,

Taking them in My arms [nurturing the young nation];

But they did not know that I healed them.

4 I led them gently with cords of a man, with bonds of love [guiding them],

And I was to them as one who lifts up and eases the yoke [of the law] over their jaws;

And I bent down to them and fed them.

5 They will not return to the land of Egypt,

But Assyria will be their king [bringing them into captivity]

Because they refused to return to Me.

6 The sword will whirl against and fall on their cities,

And will demolish the bars of their gates and fortifications

And will consume them because of their counsels.

7 My people are bent on turning from Me;

Though the prophets call them to the One on high,

None at all exalts Him.

8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?

How can I surrender you, O Israel?

How can I make you like Admah?

How can I treat you like *Zeboiim?

My heart recoils within Me;

All My compassions are kindled together [for My nation of Israel]. [Deut 29:23]

9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger;

I will not return to Ephraim to destroy him again.

For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst [who will not revoke My covenant],

And I will not come in wrath or enter the city [in judgment].

10 They will walk after the Lord [in obedience and worship],

Who will roar like a lion;

He will roar [summoning them]

And His sons will come trembling from the west.

11 They will come trembling and hurriedly like birds from Egypt

And like doves from the land of Assyria;

And I will settle them in their houses [in the land of their inheritance], declares the Lord.

12 Ephraim surrounds Me with lies

And the house of Israel with deceit;

Judah is also unruly against God,

Even against the faithful Holy One.