1'When Israel was young, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.
2But the more I called to them, the further they went from me. They offered sacrifices to the Baals and burned incense to idols.
3Yet I was the one who taught Ephraim to walk; I held them by their arms. But they didn't realize that I was the one who healed them.
4I led them with human kindness, with ties of love. I was to them like someone who eases the yoke from their necks, and I bent down to feed them.
5'They will not return to the land of Egypt. Instead, the Assyrians will be their king because they refused to turn back to me.
6The sword will attack their cities, destroy the bars of their gates, and put an end to their plans.
7My people are determined to turn away from me. Even though they call to the Most High, he will certainly not lift them up.
8'How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me; my compassion is deeply stirred.
9I will not carry out my fierce anger. I will not destroy Ephraim again, for I am God and not a human being. I am the Holy One among you, and I will not come in destructive anger.
10They will follow Yahweh, who will roar like a lion. Indeed, he will roar, and his children will come trembling from the west.
11They will come trembling like a bird from Egypt, and like a dove from the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses,” says Yahweh.
12Ephraim surrounds me with lies, and the people of Israel with deceit. Judah still turns away from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One.