1For Israel was a youth, and I loved him; and out of Egypt I called my son.
2They called to them; so they went from before them; to the Baals they sacrificed, and to the carved images they burned incense.
3And I, I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon his arms; but they did not know that I healed them.
4With cords of a man (adam) I drew them, with bands of love; and I was to them like those who lift the yoke from upon their jaws; and I extended to him and fed him.
5He shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria—he shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6And the sword shall whirl in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour, because of their counsels.
7And my people are bent on backsliding from me; and though they call them upward, together none exalts himself.
8How shall I give you up, Ephraim? How shall I hand you over, Israel? How shall I make you like Admah? How shall I set you like Zeboim? My heart is turned within me; together my compassions are kindled.
9I will not execute the burning of my anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim; for I am God, and not a man (ish), the Holy One in your midst; and I will not come into the city.
10After YHWH they shall walk; like a lion he shall roar; for he shall roar, and sons shall come trembling from the sea.
11They shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, and like a dove from the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses, declares YHWH.