1 C uando Israel era muchacho, yo lo amé, y de Egipto llamé a mi hijo.

“When Israel was a child, I loved him. And I called My son out of Egypt.

2 C uanto más yo los llamaba, tanto más se alejaban de mí; a los baales sacrificaban, y a los ídolos ofrecían sahumerios.

The more I called them, the more they went from Me. They kept giving gifts in worship to the Baals and burning special perfume to false gods.

3 Y o con todo eso enseñaba a andar al mismo Efraín, tomándole de los brazos; y no conoció que yo le cuidaba.

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them in My arms. But they did not know that I healed them.

4 C on cuerdas humanas los atraje, con cuerdas de amor; y fui para ellos como los que alzan el yugo de sobre su cerviz, y puse delante de ellos la comida.

I led them with ropes of human kindness, with ties of love. I lifted the load from their neck and went down to feed them.

5 N o volverá a tierra de Egipto, sino que el asirio mismo será su rey, porque no se quisieron convertir.

“They will not return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria will be their king, because they would not return to Me.

6 C aerá espada sobre sus ciudades, y consumirá sus aldeas; las consumirá a causa de sus propios consejos.

The sword will come upon their cities and destroy their gates. And it will destroy them because of their plans.

7 E ntre tanto, mi pueblo está adherido a la rebelión contra mí; aunque me llaman el Altísimo, ninguno absolutamente me quiere enaltecer.

My people are always turning from Me. Even when those who speak for the Lord call them to the Most High, no one honors Him.

8 ¿ Cómo podré abandonarte, oh Efraín? ¿Te entregaré yo, Israel? ¿Cómo podré yo hacerte como Adma, o ponerte como a Zeboim? Mi corazón se conmueve dentro de mí, se inflama toda mi compasión.

“How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I give you up, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart will not let Me do it. I love you very much.

9 N o ejecutaré el ardor de mi ira, ni volveré para destruir a Efraín; porque Dios soy, y no hombre, el Santo en medio de ti; y no entraré en la ciudad.

I will not do anything in My burning anger. I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man. I am the Holy One among you, and I will not come in anger.

10 E n pos de Jehová caminarán; él rugirá como león; rugirá, y los hijos vendrán temblando desde el occidente.

They will follow the Lord, and He will make noise like a lion. Yes, He will make noise like a lion, and His children will come from the west shaking with fear.

11 C omo ave acudirán velozmente de Egipto, y de la tierra de Asiria como paloma; y los haré habitar en sus casas, dice Jehová.

They will come shaking like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria. And I will return them to their homes,” says the Lord. Israel and Judah Are Judged

12 M e rodeó Efraín de mentira, y la casa de Israel de engaño. Judá aún gobierna con Dios, y es fiel con los santos.

“The lies of Ephraim and the lies of the people of Israel are all around Me. And Judah will not obey God, the One Who is holy and faithful.”