1 When Israel was a youth, I {YHWH, Faithful Father} loved him; from Egypt I called My son {beni: Covenant Heir}.
2 The more they called to them, the more they withdrew from them; they kept sacrificing to the Baals {labbealim: Canaanite storm gods} and burning incense {yekatterun: rising smoke} to idols.
3 Yet I {anokhi: personal emphatic pronoun} taught Ephraim to walk; I lifted them by My arms, but they did not recognize that I healed {refa'tim: restored to health} them.
4 With human cords, with bands of love, I {YHWH, Compassionate Shepherd} drew them; I became to them like one lifting the yoke {ol: oppressive burden} from their jaws, and I bent down gently to feed him.
5 He will not return to the land {eretz: homeland territory} of Egypt; Assyria will be his king, because they have refused to turn back {shuv: covenant turning}.
6 A sword will rage against his cities; it will consume his bars {baddav: gate bars} and devour them because of their counsels {moatzot: self-chosen plans}.
7 And My{YHWH, Loving Father} people are bent on backsliding from Me; though to the Most High{al: Supreme King} they call Him, He will not lift them up at all.
8 How can I {YHWH, Compassionate Judge} give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart turns over within Me; my compassions are kindled {warm yearning} together.
9 I will not carry out the burning of my anger; I will not turn back to destroy Ephraim. For I am God {El, Merciful Judge} and not a man; the Holy One {kadosh: set apart} in your midst, and I will not come in wrath to the city.
10 They will walk after the LORD {YHWH, Sovereign Judge}; He will roar like a lion. When He roars {yishag: commanding cry}, the sons will tremble from the west.
11 They shall quake {yekherdu: to quake with emotion} as a bird fleeing from Egypt, as a dove coming from the land of Assyria; and I will restore them to their dwellings, declares the LORD {YHWH, Restorer}.
12 Ephraim has surrounded Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God {El, Righteous Judge} and remains faithful among the holy ones {kedoshim: consecrated ones}.