1 When Israel was a child, then I loved him,

And called my son out of Egypt.

2  As they called them, so they went from them:

They sacrificed unto Baalim, and burnt incense to graven images.

3 I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms;

But they knew not that I healed them.

4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love:

And I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws,

And I laid meat unto them.

5 He shall not return into the land of Egypt,

But the Assyrian shall be his king,

Because they refused to return.

6 And the sword shall abide on his cities,

And shall consume his branches, and devour them,

Because of their own counsels.

7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me:

Though they called them to the most High,

None at all would exalt him.

8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?

How shall I deliver thee, Israel?

How shall I make thee as Admah?

How shall I set thee as Zeboim?

Mine heart is turned within me,

My repentings are kindled together.

9 I 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 enter into the city.

10 They shall walk after the Lord: he shall roar like a lion:

When he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

11 They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt,

And as a dove out of the land of Assyria:

And I will place them in their houses, saith the Lord.

12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit:

But Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.