1When Israel was a child , then I loved him , and called my son out of Egypt . 2The more the prophets called them , the more they went from them : they sacrificed unto the Baalim , and burned incense to graven images . 3Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms ; but they knew not that I healed them . 4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws ; and I laid food before them .
Israel's Rebellion and Consequences
5They shall not return into the land of Egypt ; but the Assyrian shall be their king , because they refused to return to me . 6And the sword shall fall upon their cities , and shall consume their bars, and devour them , because of their own counsels . 7And my people are bent on backsliding from me : though they call them to him that is on high , none at all will exalt him .
God's Promise of Restoration
8How shall I give thee up , Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off , Israel ? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim ? my heart is turned within me , my compassions are kindled together . 9I 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 come in wrath . 10They shall walk after Jehovah , who will roar like a lion; for he will roar , and the children shall come trembling from the west . 11They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt , and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses , saith Jehovah . 12Ephraim compasseth me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the Holy One.