## The Beloved Son 

###### 1
When Israel _was_ a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. 

###### 2
The more they called them, The more they went from them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to graven images. 

###### 3
Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them. 

###### 4
I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down _and_ fed them. 

###### 5
They will not return to the land of Egypt; But Assyria--he will be their king Because they refused to return _to Me_. 

###### 6
And the sword will whirl against their cities And will consume their gate bars And devour _them_ because of their counsels. 

###### 7
So My people are hung up on turning from Me. Though they call them to _the One_ on high, None at all exalts _Him_. 

###### 8
How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I give you over _to be_ like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me; All My compassions are stirred. 

###### 9
I will not execute My burning anger; I will not make Ephraim a ruin again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath. 

###### 10
They will walk after Yahweh; He will roar like a lion; Indeed, He will roar, And _His_ sons will come trembling from the west. 

###### 11
They will come trembling like birds from Egypt And like doves from the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses, declares Yahweh. 

###### 12
Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; And Judah is also unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful.