Study

God’s Compassion Despite Israel’s Ingratitude

11

When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

2

The more I called them,

the more they went from me;

they kept sacrificing to the Baals,

and offering incense to idols.

 

3

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,

I took them up in my arms;

but they did not know that I healed them.

4

I led them with cords of human kindness,

with bands of love.

I was to them like those

who lift infants to their cheeks.

I bent down to them and fed them.

 

5

They shall return to the land of Egypt,

and Assyria shall be their king,

because they have refused to return to me.

6

The sword rages in their cities,

it consumes their oracle-priests,

and devours because of their schemes.

7

My people are bent on turning away from me.

To the Most High they call,

but he does not raise them up at all.

 

8

How can I give you up, Ephraim?

How can I hand you over, O Israel?

How can I make you like Admah?

How can I treat you like Zeboiim?

My heart recoils within me;

my compassion grows warm and tender.

9

I will not execute my fierce anger;

I will not again destroy Ephraim;

for I am God and no mortal,

the Holy One in your midst,

and I will not come in wrath.

 

10

They shall go after the L ord,

who roars like a lion;

when he roars,

his children shall come trembling from the west.

11

They 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 L ord.

 

12

Ephraim has surrounded me with lies,

and the house of Israel with deceit;

but Judah still walks with God,

and is faithful to the Holy One.