The LORD’S Love for Israel
1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, y
and out of Egypt I called my son. z
2 Israel called to the Egyptians a
even as Israel was leaving them. A
They kept sacrificing to the Baals b
and burning offerings to idols. c
3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, d
taking them B by the hand, C,e
but they never knew that I healed them. f
4 I led them with human cords,
with ropes of love. g
To them I was like one
who eases the yoke from their jaws; h
I bent down to give them food. i
5 Israel will not return to the land of Egypt
and Assyria will be his king, j
because they refused to repent. k
6 A sword will whirl through his cities; l
it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates, D,m
because of their schemes. n
7 My people are bent on turning from me. o
Though they call to him on high,
he will not exalt them at all.
8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? p
How can I surrender you, Israel?
How can I make you like Admah? q
How can I treat you like Zeboiim? r
I have had a change of heart;
my compassion is stirred!
9 I will not vent the full fury of my anger; s
I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. t
For I am God and not man,
the Holy One among you; u
I will not come in rage. E
10 They will follow the LORD; v
he will roar like a lion. w
When he roars,
his children will come trembling from the west. x
11 They will be roused like birds from Egypt
and like doves y from the land of Assyria. z
Then I will settle them in their homes. a
This is the LORD’S declaration.
12 Ephraim surrounds me with lies, b
the house of Israel, with deceit.
Judah still wanders with God
and is faithful to the holy ones. F