1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2They called them, but they went thus from them: they sacrificed unto Baal, and burnt incense to images.
3I led Ephraim also, as one should bear them in his arms: but they knew not that I healed them.
4I led them with cords of a man, even with bands of love, and I was to them, as he was taketh off the yoke from their jaws, and I laid the meat unto them.
5He shall no more return into the land of Egypt: but Assyria shall be his King, because they refused to convert.
6And the sword shall fall on his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
7And my people are bent to rebellion against me: though they called them to the most high, yet none at all would exalt him.
8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee, as Admah? how shall I set thee, as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me: my repentings are rouled together.
9I will not execute the fierceness of my wrath: 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.
10They shall walk after the Lord: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children of the West shall fear.
11They shall fear as a sparrow out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria, and I will place them in their houses, saith the Lord.
12Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Saints.