1  When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2  As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baals, and burned incense to graven images. 3  And I it was that taught Ephraim to walk, — He took them upon his arms, — but they knew not that I healed them. 4  I drew them with bands of a man, with cords of love; and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I gently caused them to eat. 5  He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king; for they refused to return [to me]; 6  and the sword shall turn about in his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels. 7 Yea, my people are bent upon backsliding from me: though they call them to the Most High, none at all exalteth [him]. 8  How shall I give thee over, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee up, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? My heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. 9  I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am *God, and not man, — the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not come in anger. 10  They shall walk after Jehovah; he shall roar like a lion; when he shall roar, then the children shall hasten from the west: 11  they shall hasten as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will cause them to dwell in their houses, saith Jehovah. 12 Ephraim encompasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah yet walketh with *God, and with the holy things of truth.