1
“When Yisra’el was a child, I loved him, and out of Mitzrayim I called My son.
2
The more they called to them, the more they went away from their face. To the Ba’alim they sacrificed, and to carved images they burned incense.
3
Yet I taught Efrayim to walk, taking them by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.
4
With cords of Adam I drew them, with bonds of love. And I was to them as those who lift a yoke from upon their jaws, and I bent down to him and gave him food.
5
He shall not return to the land of Mitzrayim, but Ashshur shall be his king, because they refused to return.
6
And the sword shall whirl against his cities, and consume his bars, and devour them because of their counsels.
7
And My people are bent on turning away from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalts Him.
8
How can I give you up, Efrayim? How can I hand you over, Yisra’el? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Tzevoyim? My heart is turned within Me. Together My compassion is kindled.
9
I will not execute the fierceness of My anger. I will not again destroy Efrayim. For I am El and not ish, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.
10
After Yahuah they shall walk. He shall roar like a lion. For He shall roar, and the sons shall come trembling from the west.
11
They shall come trembling like a bird from Mitzrayim, and like a dove from the land of Ashshur. And I will cause them to dwell in their houses,” declares Yahuah.
12
Efrayim surrounds Me with falsehood, and the House of Yisra’el with deceit. But Yehudah still walks with El and is faithful with the Holy Ones.