1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,and I called my son out of Egypt.
2 But the more I called to him,the farther he moved from me,offering sacrifices to the images of Baaland burning incense to idols.
3 I myself taught Israel how to walk,leading him along by the hand.But he doesn’t know or even carethat it was I who took care of him.
4 I led Israel alongwith my ropes of kindness and love.I lifted the yoke from his neck,and I myself stooped to feed him.
5 “But since my people refuse to return to me,they will return to Egyptand will be forced to serve Assyria.
6 War will swirl through their cities;their enemies will crash through their gates.They will destroy them,trapping them in their own evil plans.
7 For my people are determined to desert me.They call me the Most High,but they don’t truly honor me.
8 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?How can I let you go?How can I destroy you like Admahor demolish you like Zeboiim?My heart is torn within me,and my compassion overflows.
9 No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.I will not completely destroy Israel,for I am God and not a mere mortal.I am the Holy One living among you,and I will not come to destroy.
10 For someday the people will follow me.I, the Lord, will roar like a lion.And when I roar,my people will return trembling from the west.
11 Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.And I will bring them home again,”says the Lord.
12 Israel surrounds me with lies and deceit,but Judah still obeys Godand is faithful to the Holy One.