Study Desk

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

But the more I called Israel,aethe further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images.

But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images.

It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.

It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.

"Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?

"Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?

Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans.

A sword will flash in their cities; it will devour their false prophets and put an end to their plans.

My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them.

My people are determined to turn from me. Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them.