1When Israel was a child he was dear to me; and I took my son out of Egypt.

2When I sent for them, then they went away from me; they made offerings to the Baals, burning perfumes to images.

3But I was guiding Ephraim's footsteps; I took them up in my arms, but they were not conscious that I was ready to make them well.

4I made them come after me with the cords of a man, with the bands of love; I was to them as one who took the yoke from off their mouths, putting meat before them.

5He will go back to the land of Egypt and the Assyrian will be his king, because they would not come back to me.

6And the sword will go through his towns, wasting his children and causing destruction because of their evil designs.

7My people are given up to sinning against me; though their voice goes up on high, no one will be lifting them up.

8How may I give you up, O Ephraim? how may I be your saviour, O Israel? how may I make you like Admah? how may I do to you as I did to Zeboim? My heart is turned in me, it is soft with pity.

9I will not put into effect the heat of my wrath; I will not again send destruction on Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One among you; I will not put an end to you.

10They will go after the Lord; his cry will be like that of a lion; his cry will be loud, and the children will come from the west, shaking with fear;

11Shaking with fear like a bird, they will come out of Egypt, like a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will give them rest in their houses, says the Lord.

12The deceit of Ephraim and the false words of Israel are about me on every side. ...