¹⁶ But you are our Father,^(A)
    though Abraham does not know us
    or Israel acknowledge^(B) us;
you, Lord, are our Father,
    our Redeemer^(C) from of old is your name.

⁸ Yet you, Lord, are our Father.^(A)
    We are the clay, you are the potter;^(B)
    we are all the work of your hand.^(C)

“‘How gladly would I treat you like my children
    and give you a pleasant land,^(A)
    the most beautiful inheritance^(B) of any nation.’
I thought you would call me ‘Father’^(C)
    and not turn away from following me.

⁶ Is this the way you repay^(A) the Lord,
    you foolish^(B) and unwise people?^(C)
Is he not your Father,^(D) your Creator,^[a]
    who made you and formed you?^(E)

¹⁴ Do not be afraid,^(A) you worm^(B) Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help^(C) you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer,^(D) the Holy One^(E) of Israel.

⁹ They will come with weeping;^(A)
    they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead^(B) them beside streams of water^(C)
    on a level^(D) path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel’s father,^(E)
    and Ephraim is my firstborn son.