7. My people are obsessed with turning away from me;they call to Baal, but he will never exalt them!
8. How can I give you up, O Ephraim?How can I surrender you, O Israel?How can I treat you like Admah?How can I make you like Zeboiim?I have had a change of heart!All my tender compassions are aroused!
9. I cannot carry out my fierce anger!I cannot totally destroy Ephraim!Because I am God, and not man – the Holy One among you – I will not come in wrath!
10. He will roar like a lion, and they will follow the Lord;when he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.
11. They will return in fear and trembling like birds from Egypt,like doves from Assyria,and I will settle them in their homes,” declares the Lord.
12. (12:1) Ephraim has surrounded me with lies;the house of Israel has surrounded me with deceit.But Judah still roams about with God;he remains faithful to the Holy One.