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

2 But the more they were called, the further away they went: they sacrificed to Baals, and burned incense to graven images.

3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them.

4 I led them with human cords, with bands of love: and I was to them like one who removes the yoke from their neck, and I bent down to feed them.

5 They will not return to the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian will rule them, because they refused to come back to me.

6 And the sword will fall on their cities, putting an end to their vain talkers, and destroying their plans.

7 For my people are bent to backsliding from me: though the prophets called them to the most High, none would exalt him.

8 ¶ How can I give you up, Ephraim? how can I surrender you, Israel? how can I make you like Admah? how can I treat you like Zeboim? my heart recoils within me, my sympathy is stirred up.

9 I will not vent the full fury of my anger, I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One among you: and I will not come with terror.

10 They will follow the LORD: he will roar like a lion: when he roars, then the children will come trembling from the west.

11 They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria: and I will settle them in their homes, says the LORD.

12 Ephraim surrounds me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah still acknowledges God, and is faithful with the saints.