When Israel was a child, then I loved him, says God, and called my son out of Egypt. Yet the more they were called, the more they turned away. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? God's compassion will not let him destroy them.
1 When Israel was a child , then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt .
2 As they called them, so they went from them : they sacrificed unto Baalim , and burned incense to graven images .
3 I taught Ephraim also to go , taking them by their arms ; but they knew not that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of a man , with bands of love : and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws , and I laid meat unto them.
5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt , but the Assyrian shall be his king , because they refused to return .
6 And the sword shall abide on his cities , and shall consume his branches , and devour them, because of their own counsels .
7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High , none at all would exalt him.
8 How shall I give thee up , Ephraim ? how shall I deliver thee, Israel ? how shall I make thee as Admah ? how shall I set thee as Zeboim ? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together .
9 I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger , I will not return to destroy Ephraim : for I am God , and not man ; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city .
10 They shall walk after the LORD : he shall roar like a lion : when he shall roar , then the children shall tremble from the west .
11 They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt , and as a dove out of the land of Assyria : and I will place them in their houses , saith the LORD .
12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies , and the house of Israel with deceit : but Judah yet ruleth with God , and is faithful with the saints .