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

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

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

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

7 M y 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 “ 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 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 T hey 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 T hey 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 “ 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.”