5. “They will not return to Egypt.Instead, Assyria will rule thembecause they have refused to return to me.
6. War will sweep through their cities,demolish their city gates,and put an end to their plans.
7. My people are determined to turn away from me.Even if they call to the Most High,he will not pardon them.
8. “How can I give you up, Ephraim?How can I hand you over, Israel?How can I make you like Admah?How can I treat you like Zeboim?I have changed my mind.I am deeply moved.
9. I will not act on my burning anger.I will not destroy Ephraim again.I am God, not a human.I am the Holy One among you,and I will not come to you in anger.
10. “My people will follow me when I roar like a lion.When I roar, my children will come trembling from the west.
11. They will come trembling like birds from Egyptand like doves from Assyria.I will settle them in their own homes,”declares the Lord.
12. “Ephraim surrounds me with lies.The nation of Israel surrounds me with deceit.”Judah rebels against God, against the Holy One who is faithful.