1 When Israel was a boy, I loved him and called my son out of Egypt. 2 As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3 Even with all this I guided the feet of this same Ephraim, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I cared for them. 4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those that raise the yoke from upon their cheeks, and I fed them.
5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king because they refused to be converted. 6 And the sword shall fall upon his cities and shall consume his villages and devour them because of their own counsels. 7 Meanwhile, my people adhere to the rebellion against me though they call unto me upon High; absolutely none at all wish to exalt me.
8 How must I leave thee, Ephraim? how shall I give thee up, Israel? how could I make thee as Admah? nor set thee as Zeboim? my heart churns within me; all my compassion is inflamed. 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 thee; and I will not enter into the city.
10 They shall walk after the LORD; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the sons shall come trembling from the west. 11 As a bird they shall move speedily out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD. 12 Ephraim compasses me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet rules with God and is faithful with the saints.
1 Ephraim feeds on wind and follows after the east wind; he daily increases lies and desolation because they made a covenant with the Assyrians, and the oil is carried into Egypt.