1 Because Israel is a youth, and I love him, Out of Egypt I have called for My Son.
2 They have called to them rightly, They have gone from before them, To lords they do sacrifice, And to graven images they make perfume.
3 And I have caused Ephraim to go on foot, Taking them by their arms, And they have not known that I strengthened them.
4 With cords of man I do draw them, With thick cords of love, And I am to them as a raiser up of a yoke on their jaws, And I incline unto him -- I feed him.
5 He turneth not back unto the land of Egypt, And Asshur -- he is his king, For they have refused to return.
6 Grievous hath been the sword in his cities, And it hath ended his bars, and consumed -- from their own counsels.
7 And My people are hanging in suspense, about My returning, And unto the Most High they do call, Together they exalt not.
8 How do I give thee up, O Ephraim? Do I deliver thee up, O Israel? How do I make thee as Admah? Do I set thee as Zeboim? Turned in Me is My heart, kindled together have been My repentings.
9 I do not the fierceness of My anger, I turn not back to destroy Ephraim, For God I am, and not a man. In thy midst the Holy One, and I enter not in enmity,
10 After Jehovah they go -- as a lion He roareth, When He doth roar, then tremble do the sons from the west.
11 They tremble as a sparrow out of Egypt, And as a dove out of the land of Asshur, And I have caused them to dwell in their own houses, An affirmation of Jehovah.