1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 When I called them, they went from my face. They sacrificed to the Baals, and they sacrificed to idols.
3 And I myself taught Ephraim to walk; I took them in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I drew them {with human ties}, with the bands of love. I was to them like one who lifted up a yoke on their jaws, [though] I bent down to them [and] let them eat.
5 He will return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria will be his king, because they refused to return.
6 [The] sword rages in his cities; it consumes his false prophets and devours because of their plans.
7 My people are bent on backsliding from me. To the Most High they call, he does not raise them at all.
8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? [How] can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? [How] can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is disturbed within me; {all} my compassions are aroused.
9 {I will not execute} {my fierce anger}, I will not again destroy Ephraim; because I [am] God and not a mortal, [the] Holy [One] in your midst; and I will not come in wrath.
10 They will go after Yahweh; he roars like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from [the] sea.
11 They will tremble like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will let them return to their homes-- a declaration of Yahweh.