1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son. |
2 But the more I1 11:2 Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew they called Israel,
the further they went from me.2 11:2 Septuagint; Hebrew them
They sacrificed to the Baals
and they burned incense to images. |
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them. |
4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love;
I lifted the yoke from their neck
and bent down to feed them. |
5 "Will they not return to Egypt
and will not Assyria rule over them
because they refuse to repent? |
6 Swords will flash in their cities,
will destroy the bars of their gates
and put an end to their plans. |
7 My people are determined to turn from me.
Even if they call to the Most High,
he will by no means exalt them. |
8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim?
How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah?
How can I make you like Zeboiim?
My heart is changed within me;
all my compassion is aroused. |
9 I will not carry out my fierce anger,
nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man-
the Holy One among you.
I will not come in wrath.3 11:9 Or come against any city |
10 They will follow the LORD ;
he will roar like a lion.
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west. |
11 They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them in their homes,"
declares the LORD . |
12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,
the house of Israel with deceit.
And Judah is unruly against God,
even against the faithful Holy One. |
