|
[1]When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
[2]They called them, but they went thus from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to images.
[3]I led Ephraim also, as one should bear them in his arms: but they knew not that I healed them.
[4]I led them with cords of a man, even with bands of love, and I was to them, as he that taketh off the yoke from their jaws, and I laid the meat unto them.
[5]He shall no more return into the land of Egypt: but Assyria shall be his king, because they refused to convert.
[6]And the sword shall fall on his cities, and shall consume his bars, and devour them, because of their own counsels.
[7]And my people are bent to rebellion against me: though they called them to the Most High, yet none at all would exalt him.
[8]How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee, as Admah? How shall I set thee, as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within me: my repentings are rouled together.
[9]I will not execute the fierceness of my wrath: I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man, the holy one in the midst of thee, and I will not enter into the city.
[10]They shall walk after the Lord: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children of the west shall fear.
[11]They shall fear as a sparrow out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria, and I will place them in their houses, saith the Lord.
[12]Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
|