1
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2
The more I 1 called them,
the more they went from me; 2
they kept sacrificing to the Baals,
and offering incense to idols.
3
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
I took them up in my 3 arms;
but they did not know that I healed them.
4
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks. 4
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 rages in their cities,
it consumes their oracle-priests,
and devours because of their schemes.
7
My people are bent on turning away from me.
To the Most High they call,
but he does not raise them up at all. 5
8
How can I give you up, 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 recoils within me;
my compassion grows warm and tender.
9
I will not execute my fierce anger;
I will not again destroy Ephraim;
for I am God and no mortal,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come in wrath. 6
10
They shall go after the
who roars like a lion;
when he roars,
his children 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
12
7 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit;
but Judah still walks 8 with God,
and is faithful to the Holy One.
1
Ephraim herds the wind,
and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
they make a treaty with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.