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11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 11:2 The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. 11:3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. 11:4 I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. 11:5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 11:6 The sword rages in their cities, it consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their schemes. 11:7 My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all. 11:8 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. 11:9 I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. 11:10 They shall go after the LORD, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. 11:11 They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the LORD. 11:12 Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah still walks with God, and is faithful to the Holy One.