The Lord’s Love for Israel

11 When Israel was a child, I loved him, a

and out of Egypt I called My son. b

2 The more they c called them, d e

the more they f departed from Me. g

They kept sacrificing to the * Baals h

and burning offerings to idols. i

3 It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, j

taking them k in My arms, l

but they never knew that I healed them. m

4 I led them with human cords,

with ropes of love. n

To them I was like one

who eases the yoke from their jaws; o

I bent down to give them food. p

5 Israel will not return to the land of Egypt

and Assyria will be his king, q

because they refused to repent. r

6 A sword will whirl through his cities; s

it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates, t u

because of their schemes. v

7 My people are bent on turning from Me. w

Though they call to Him on high,

He will not exalt them at all.

8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? x

How can I surrender you, Israel?

How can I make you like Admah? y

How can I treat you like Zeboiim? z

I have had a change of heart;

My compassion is stirred!

9 I will not vent the full fury of My anger; a

I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. b

For I am God and not man,

the Holy One among you; c

I will not come in rage. d

10 They will follow the Lord; e

He will roar like a lion. f

When He roars,

His children will come trembling from the west. g

11 They will be roused like birds from Egypt

and like doves h from the land of Assyria. i

Then I will settle them in their homes. j

This is the Lord’s declaration.

12 k Ephraim surrounds me with lies, l

the house of Israel, with deceit.

Judah still wanders with God

and is faithful to the holy ones. m n