Study Desk

When Israel was a child, I loved him,^(a) and out of Egypt I called My son.^(b)

The more they^[a] called them,^[b](c) the more they^[c] departed from Me.^[d] They kept sacrificing to the Baals^(d) and burning offerings to idols.^(e)

It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,^(f) taking them^[e] in My arms,^(g) but they never knew that I healed them.^(h)

I led them with human cords, with ropes of love.⁽ⁱ⁾ To them I was like one who eases the yoke from their jaws;^(j) I bent down to give them food.^(k)

Israel will not return to the land of Egypt and Assyria will be his king,^(l) because they refused to repent.^(m)

A sword will whirl through his cities;⁽ⁿ⁾ it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates,^[f](o) because of their schemes.^(p)

My people are bent on turning from Me.^(q) Though they call to Him on high, He will not exalt them at all.

How can I give you up, Ephraim?^(r) How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah?^(s) How can I treat you like Zeboiim?^(t) I have had a change of heart; My compassion is stirred!

I will not vent the full fury of My anger;^(u) I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim.^(v) For I am God and not man, the Holy One among you;^(w) I will not come in rage.^[g]

They will follow the Lord ;^(x) He will roar like a lion.^(y) When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west.^(z)

They will be roused like birds from Egypt and like doves^(aa) from the land of Assyria.^(ab) Then I will settle them in their homes.^(ac) This is the Lord 's declaration.