The LORD’s Love for Israel

1“When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and I called my son out of Egypt.

2But the more I called to him,

the farther he moved from me,a

offering sacrifices to the images of Baal

and burning incense to idols.

3I myself taught Israelb how to walk,

leading him along by the hand.

But he doesn’t know or even care

that it was I who took care of him.

4I led Israel along

with my ropes of kindness and love.

I lifted the yoke from his neck,

and I myself stooped to feed him.

5“But since my people refuse to return to me,

they will return to Egypt

and will be forced to serve Assyria.

6War will swirl through their cities;

their enemies will crash through their gates.

They will destroy them,

trapping them in their own evil plans.

7For my people are determined to desert me.

They call me the Most High,

but they don’t truly honor me.

8“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?

How can I let you go?

How can I destroy you like Admah

or demolish you like Zeboiim?

My heart is torn within me,

and my compassion overflows.

9No, I will not unleash my fierce anger.

I will not completely destroy Israel,

for I am God and not a mere mortal.

I am the Holy One living among you,

and I will not come to destroy.

10For someday the people will follow me.

I, the LORD, will roar like a lion.

And when I roar,

my people will return trembling from the west.

11Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.

Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.

And I will bring them home again,”

says the LORD.

Charges against Israel and Judah

12cIsrael surrounds me with lies and deceit,

but Judah still obeys God

and is faithful to the Holy One.d