The Lord’s Love for Israel

When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called My son.

² The more they^[a] called them,^[b]

the more they^[c] departed from Me.^[d]

They kept sacrificing to the Baals

and burning offerings to idols.

³ It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,

taking them^[e] in My arms,

but they never knew that I healed them.

⁴ I led them with human cords,

with ropes of love.

To them I was like one

who eases the yoke from their jaws;

I bent down to give them food.

⁵ Israel will not return to the land of Egypt

and Assyria will be his king,

because they refused to repent.

⁶ A sword will whirl through his cities;

it will destroy and devour the bars of his gates,^[f]

because of their schemes.

⁷ My people are bent on turning from Me.

Though they call to Him on high,

He will not exalt them at all.