I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love,
And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws;
And I bent down and fed them.

They feed on the sin of My people
And direct their desire toward their iniquity.

Threshing floor and wine press will not feed them,
And the new wine will fail them.

Ephraim feeds on wind,
And pursues the east wind continually;
He multiplies lies and violence.
Moreover, he makes a covenant with Assyria,
And oil is carried to Egypt.