1 W hen Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 A s they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baals, and burned incense to graven images.

3 A nd I it was that taught Ephraim to walk,—He took them upon his arms,—but they knew not that I healed them.

4 I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently caused them to eat.

5 H e shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return;

6 a nd the sword shall turn about in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour, because of their own counsels.

7 Y ea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High, none at all exalteth.

8 H ow shall I give thee over, Ephraim? shall I deliver thee up, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not man,—the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not come in anger.

10 T hey shall walk after Jehovah; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the children shall hasten from the west:

11 t hey shall hasten as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will cause them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah.

12 E phraim encompasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet walketh with God, and with the holy things of truth.