When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2The more the prophets called them, the more they went from them: they sacrificed unto the Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. 3Yet I taught Ephraim to walk; I took them on my arms; but they knew not that I healed them. 4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love; and I was to them as they that lift up the yoke on their jaws; and I laid food before them.

5They shall not return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be their king, because they refused to return to me. 6And the sword shall fall upon their cities, and shall consume their bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels. 7And my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to him that is on high, none at all will exalt him.

8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.