Understanding God's Heart For Us in Song
1 “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
2 They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images.
3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by their arms, but they didn’t know that I healed them.
4 I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.
5 “They won’t return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian will be their king, because they refused to repent.
6 The sword will fall on their cities, and will destroy the bars of their gates, and will put an end to their plans.
7 My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, he certainly won’t exalt them.
8 “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.
9 I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I am God, and not man—the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath.