The Beloved Son

1When Israel was a youth I loved him,

And out of Egypt I called My son.

2The more [†]they called them,

The more they went from [†]them;

They kept sacrificing to the Baals

And burning incense to graven images.

3Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk;

[†]I took them in My arms;

But they did not know that I healed them.

4I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love,

And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws;

And I bent down and fed them.

5[†]They will not return to the land of Egypt;

But Assyria—he will be [†]their king

Because they refused to return to Me.

6And the sword will whirl against [†]their cities

And will consume [†]their gate bars

And devour them because of their counsels.

7So My people are hung up on turning from Me.

Though [†]they call [†]them to the One on high,

None at all exalts Him.

8How can I give you up, O Ephraim?

How can I surrender you, O Israel?

How can I give you over to be like Admah?

How can I make you like Zeboiim?

My heart is turned over within Me;

[†]All My compassions are stirred.

9I will not execute My burning anger;

I will not make Ephraim a ruin again.

For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst,

And I will not come in [†]wrath.

10They will walk after Yahweh;

He will roar like a lion;

Indeed, He will roar,

And His sons will come trembling from the west.

11They will come trembling like birds from Egypt

And like doves from the land of Assyria;

And I will settle them in their houses, declares Yahweh.

12[†]Ephraim surrounds Me with [†]lies

And the house of Israel with deceit;

And Judah is also unruly against God,

Even against the Holy One who is faithful.