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¹ When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.² The more [the prophets] called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed to the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.³ Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; He took them up in his arms; but they did not know that I healed them.⁴ I drew them with cords of man, with bands of love; and I was to them as those that lift up the yoke from their jaws; and I laid food before them.⁵ They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return [to me].⁶ And the sword shall fall on their cities, and shall consume their bars, and devour [them], because of their own counsels.⁷ And my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to [him that is] on high, none at all will exalt [him].

⁸ How shall I give you up, Ephraim? [how] shall I cast you off, Israel? how shall I make you as Admah? [how] shall I set you as Zeboiim? my heart is turned inside me, my compassions are kindled together.⁹ I will not execute the fierceness of my anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of you; and I will not come in wrath.¹⁰ They shall walk after Yahweh, who will roar like a lion; for he will roar, and the sons shall come trembling from the west.¹¹ They shall come trembling as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will make them to dwell in their houses, says Yahweh.¹² Ephraim compasses me about with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit; and even Judah went down from God and the faithful Holy One.