1. When Israel was a child I loved him,out of Egypt I called my son.
2. The more I called them,the farther they went from me,Sacrificing to the Baalsand burning incense to idols.
3. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,who took them in my arms;but they did not know that I cared for them.
4. I drew them with human cords,with bands of love;I fostered them like thosewho raise an infant to their cheeks;I bent down to feed them.
5. He shall return to the land of Egypt,Assyria shall be his king,because they have refused to repent.
6. The sword shall rage in his cities:it shall destroy his diviners,and devour them because of their schemings.