4. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.
5. “Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?
6. A sword will flash in their cities; it will devour their false prophets and put an end to their plans.
7. My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them.
8. “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.
9. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities.
10. They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.
11. They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves. I will settle them in their homes,” declares the Lord.