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