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.

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