1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 When I called* them, they went from my face.*

They sacrificed to the Baals, and they sacrificed to idols.

3 And I myself taught Ephraim to walk;

I took them* in my* arms,

but they did not know that I healed them.

4 I drew them with human ties,*

with the bands of love.

I was to them like one who lifted up* a yoke on their jaws,*

though I bent down to them* and let them* eat.

5 He will return* to the land of Egypt,

and Assyria will be his king,*

because they refused to return.

6 The sword rages in his cities;

it consumes his false prophets

and devours because of their plans.

7 My people are bent on backsliding from me.

To the Most High they call,

he does not raise them at all.

8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, O Israel?

How can I make you like Admah?

How can I treat you like Zeboiim?

My heart is disturbed* within me;

all* my compassions are aroused.

9 I will not execute* my fierce anger,*

I will not again destroy Ephraim;

because I am God

and not a mortal,*

the Holy One in your midst;

and I will not come in wrath.

10 They will go after Yahweh;

he roars like a lion.

When he roars,

his children will come trembling

from the sea.*

11 They will tremble like birds* from Egypt,

and like doves* from the land of Assyria;

and I will let them return* to their homes—

a declaration of Yahweh.

12 * Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,*

and the house of Israel with deceit;

and Judah is still wandering with God

and is faithful to the Holy One.