God’s Love for Israel

1“When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

2But the more I^a called Israel,

the further they went from me.^b

They sacrificed to the Baals

and they burned incense to images.

3It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,

taking them by the arms;

but they did not realize

it was I who healed them.

4I led them with cords of human kindness,

with ties of love;

I lifted the yoke from their neck

and bent down to feed them.

5“Will they not return to Egypt

and will not Assyria rule over them

because they refuse to repent?

6Swords will flash in their cities,

will destroy the bars of their gates

and put an end to their plans.

7My people are determined to turn from me.

Even if they call to the Most High,

he will by no means exalt them.

8“How can I give you up, Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, Israel?

How can I treat you like Admah?

How can I make you like Zeboiim?

My heart is changed within me;

all my compassion is aroused.

9I will not carry out my fierce anger,

nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim.

For I am God, and not man—

the Holy One among you.

I will not come in wrath.^c

10They will follow the Lord;

he will roar like a lion.

When he roars,

his children will come trembling from the west.

11They will come trembling

like birds from Egypt,

like doves from Assyria.

I will settle them in their homes,”

declares the Lord.

Israel’s Sin

12Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,

the house of Israel with deceit.

And Judah is unruly against God,

even against the faithful Holy One.