1When Israel was a
child, then I loved him, and called my son out of
Egypt.
2As they
called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed
unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.
3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by
their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.
4I 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.
5He shall not return into the land of Egypt,
but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they
refused to return.
6And the sword shall abide on his cities, and
shall consume his branches, and devour them,
because of their own counsels.
7And my people are bent to backsliding from
me: though they called them to the most High, none
at all would exalt him.
8How 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.
9I 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.
10They shall walk after the LORD: he shall
roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the
children shall tremble from the west.
11They 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.
12Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and
the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet
ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
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