³ It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
    taking them by the arms;^(A)
but they did not realize
    it was I who healed^(B) them.
⁴ I led them with cords of human kindness,
    with ties of love.^(C)
To them I was like one who lifts
    a little child to the cheek,
    and I bent down to feed^(D) them.^(E)