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 burned 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.* take off: Heb. lift up

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.† none…: Heb. together they exalted not

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.‡ saints: or, most holy