God Will Have Compassion

1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

2 When I calledthem, they went from my face.

They sacrificed to the Baals, and they sacrificed to idols.

3 And I myself taught Ephraim to walk;

I took themin myarms,

but they did not know that I healed them.

4 I drew them with human ties,

with the bands of love.

I was to them like one who lifted upa yoke on their jaws,

though I bent down to themand let themeat.

5 He will returnto the land of Egypt,

and Assyria will be his king,

because they refused to return.

6 The sword rages in his cities;

it consumes his false prophets

and devours because of their plans.

7 My people are bent on backsliding from me.

To the Most High they call,

he does not raise them at all.

8 How can I give you up, O Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, O Israel?

How can I make you like Admah?

How can I treat you like Zeboiim?

My heart is disturbedwithin me;

allmy compassions are aroused.

9 I will not executemy fierce anger,

I will not again destroy Ephraim;

because I am God

and not a mortal,

the Holy One in your midst;

and I will not come in wrath.

10 They will go after Yahweh;

he roars like a lion.

When he roars,

his children will come trembling

from the sea.

11 They will tremble like birdsfrom Egypt,

and like dovesfrom the land of Assyria;

and I will let them returnto their homes—

a declaration of Yahweh.

Israel’s History

12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,

and the house of Israel with deceit;

and Judah is still wandering with God

and is faithful to the Holy One.