The Father's love

111.1: Mt 2.15.When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

2The more I11.2 Gk: Heb they called them,

the more they went from me;11.2 Gk: Heb them

they kept sacrificing to the Ba'als,

and burning incense to idols.

3Yet it was I who taught E'phraim to walk,

I took them up in my11.3 Gk Syr Vg: Heb his arms;

but they did not know that I healed them.

4I led them with cords of compassion,11.4 Heb man

with the bands of love,

and I became to them as one

who eases the yoke on their jaws,

and I bent down to them and fed them.

5They shall return to the land of Egypt,

and Assyria shall be their king,

because they have refused to return to me.

6The sword shall rage against their cities,

consume the bars of their gates,

and devour them in their fortresses.11.6 Cn: Heb counsels

7My people are bent on turning away from me;11.7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

so they are appointed to the yoke,

and none shall remove it.

8How can I give you up, O E'phraim!

How can I hand you over, O Israel!

How can I make you like Admah!

How can I treat you like Zeboi'im!

My heart recoils within me,

my compassion grows warm and tender.

9I will not execute my fierce anger,

I will not again destroy E'phraim;

for I am God and not man,

the Holy One in your midst,

and I will not come to destroy.11.9 Cn: Heb into the city

10They shall go after the LORD,

he will roar like a lion;

yea, he will roar,

and his sons shall come trembling from the west;

11they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,

and like doves from the land of Assyria;

and I will return them to their homes, says the LORD.

1211.12 Ch 12.1 in HebE'phraim has encompassed me with lies,

and the house of Israel with deceit;

but Judah is still known by11.12 Cn Compare Gk: Heb roams with God,

and is faithful to the Holy One.