1. When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.
2. The more they called them, the more they departed from Me. They kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.
3. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them in My arms, but they never knew that I healed them.
4. I led them with human cords,with ropes of love. To them I was like onewho eases the yoke from their jaws; I bent down to give them food.
5. Israel will not return to the land of Egyptand Assyria will be his king, because they refused to repent.
6. A sword will whirl through his cities; it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates, because of their schemes.
7. My people are bent on turning from Me. Though they call to Him on high,He will not exalt them at all.