1. |
When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. |
2. |
The more `the prophets' called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. |
3. |
Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms; but they knew not that I healed them. |
4. |
I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them. |
5. |
They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return `to me'. |
6. |
And the sword shall fall upon their cities, and shall consume their bars, and devour `them', because of their own counsels. |
7. |
And my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to `him that is' on high, none at all will exalt `him'. |
8. |
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? `how' shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? `how' shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together. |
9. |
I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, 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 come in wrath. |
10. |
They shall walk after Jehovah, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the children shall come trembling from the west. |
11. |
They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah. |
12. |
Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Holy One. |