1 God is the Loving Father of His People When Israel was a child [a young nation], I loved him,And I called My son out of Egypt.
2 The more they [the prophets] called them [to repentance and obedience],The more they went away from them;They kept sacrificing to the BaalsAnd burning incense to the carved images.
3 Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk,Taking them in My arms [nurturing the young nation];But they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led themgentlywith cords of a man, with bonds of love [guiding them],And I was to them as one who lifts upandeases the yoke [of the law] over their jaws;And I bent down to them and fed them.
5 They will not return to the land of Egypt,But Assyria will be their king [bringing them into captivity]Because they refused to returnto Me.
6 The sword will whirl againstandfall on their cities,And will demolish the bars of their gatesandfortificationsAnd will consume them because of their counsels.
7 My people are bent on turning from Me;Though the prophets call them tothe Oneon high,None at all exaltsHim.
8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?How can I surrender you, O Israel?How can I make you like Admah?How can I treat you likeThe cities totally destroyed with Sodom.Zeboiim?My heart recoils within Me;All My compassions are kindled together [for My nation of Israel].
9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger;I will not return to Ephraim to destroy him again.For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst [who will not revoke My covenant],And I will not come in wrathorenter the city [in judgment].
10 They will walk after the L[in obedience and worship],Who will roar like a lion;He will roar [summoning them]AndHissons will come trembling from the west.
11 They will come tremblingandhurriedly like birds from EgyptAnd like doves from the land of Assyria;And I will settle them in their houses [in the land of their inheritance], declares the L.
12 Ephraim surrounds Me with liesAnd the house of Israel with deceit;Judah is also unruly against God,Even against the faithful Holy One.