God's love for his people

1When Israel was a child,11.1: Ex 4.22; Mt 2.15.

I loved him, and I called

my son out of Egypt.

2But as the saying goes,

“The more they were called,

the more they rebelled.”11.2 But…rebelled: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

They never stopped offering

incense and sacrifices

to the idols of Baal.

3I took Israel by the arm

and taught them to walk.

But they would not admit

that I was the one

who had healed them.

4I led them with kindness

and with love,

not with ropes.

I held them close to me;11.4 I held…to me: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

I bent down to feed them.

5But they trusted Egypt

instead of returning to me;

now Assyria will rule them.

6War will visit their cities,

and their plans will fail.11.6 fail: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 6.

7My people are determined

to reject me for a god

they think is stronger,

but he can't help.11.7 help: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 7.

8Israel, I can't let you go.11.8: Dt 29.23.

I can't give you up.

How could I possibly destroy you

as I did the towns of Admah

and Zeboiim?11.8 Admah and Zeboiim: When the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, he also destroyed these two towns (see Deuteronomy 29.23).

I just can't do it.

My feelings for you

are much too strong.

9Israel, I won't lose my temper

and destroy you again.

I am the Holy God—

not merely a human being,

and I won't stay angry.

10I, the LORD, will roar like a lion,

and my children will return,

trembling from the west.

11They will come back,

fluttering like birds from Egypt

or like doves from Assyria.

Then I will bring them

back to their homes.

I, the LORD, have spoken!

Israel and Judah are doomed

Israel and Judah compared

12Israel is deceitful to me,

their loyal and holy God;

they surround me with lies,

and Judah worships

other gods.11.12 and Judah worships other gods: Or “but Judah remains faithful”.