1. ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him,and out of Egypt I called my son.
2. But the more they were called,the more they went away from me.They sacrificed to the Baalsand they burned incense to images.
3. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,taking them by the arms;but they did not realiseit was I who healed them.
4. I led them with cords of human kindness,with ties of love.To them I was like one who liftsa little child to the cheek,and I bent down to feed them.
5. ‘Will they not return to Egyptand will not Assyria rule over thembecause they refuse to repent?
6. A sword will flash in their cities;it will devour their false prophetsand put an end to their plans.
7. My people are determined to turn from me.Even though they call me God Most High,I will by no means exalt them.