“When Israel was a young nation, I loved them.
    I chose to bring my son out of Egypt.
² But the more I called out to Israel,
    the more they went away from me.
They brought sacrifices to the statues of the gods
    that were named Baal.
    And they burned incense to them.
³ I taught Ephraim to walk.
    I took them up in my arms.
But they did not realize
    I was the one who took care of them.
⁴ I led them with kindness and love.
I was to them like a person who lifts
    a little child to their cheek.
    I bent down and fed them.

⁵ “But they refuse to turn away from their sins.
    So they will return to Egypt.
    And Assyria will rule over them.
⁶ A sword will flash in their cities.
    It will destroy the prophets who teach lies.
    It will bring an end to their plans.
⁷ My people have made up their minds
    to turn away from me.
Even if they call me the Most High God,
    I will certainly not honor them.”