1 God's Love for Israel
1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, 1 and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 But the more they were called, 2 the more they went away from me.[a] 2 They sacrificed to the Baals 2 and they burned incense to images.
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, 3 taking them by the arms; 3 but they did not realize 3 it was I who healed them.
4 I led them with cords of human kindness, 4 with ties of love. 4 To them I was like one who lifts 4 a little child to the cheek, 4 and I bent down to feed them.
5 "Will they not return to Egypt 5 and will not Assyria rule over them 5 because they refuse to repent?
6 Swords will flash in their cities, 6 will destroy the bars of their gates 6 and put an end to their plans.
7 My people are determined to turn from me. 7 Even though they call me God Most High, 7 I will by no means exalt them.
8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? 8 How can I hand you over, Israel? 8 How can I treat you like Admah? 8 How can I make you like Zeboyim? 8 My heart is changed within me; 8 all my compassion is aroused.
9 I will not carry out my fierce anger, 9 nor will I devastate Ephraim again. 9 For I am God, and not a human being— 9 the Holy One among you. 9 I will not come against their cities.
10 They will follow the Lord; 10 he will roar like a lion. 10 When he roars, 10 his children will come trembling from the west.
11 They will come trembling 11 like birds from Egypt, 11 like doves from Assyria. 11 I will settle them in their homes," 11 declares the Lord.
11 12
12 Israel's Sin 12 +011:12 is numbered 12:1 in Hebrew texts.+1
12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, 12 the house of Israel with deceit. 12 And Judah is unruly against God, 12 even against the faithful Holy One.
