(Matthew 2:13–15)
1
“Because Israel [is] a youth, and I love him, || Out of Egypt I have called for My Son.
2
They have called to them correctly, || They have gone from before them, || They sacrifice to lords, || And make incense to carved images.
3
And I have caused Ephraim to go on foot, || Taking them by their arms, || And they have not known that I strengthened them.
4
I draw them with cords of man, || With thick cords of love, || And I am to them as a raiser up of a yoke on their jaws, || And I incline to him—I feed [him].
5
He does not return to the land of Egypt, || And Asshur—he [is] his king, || For they have refused to return.
6
The sword has been grievous in his cities, || And it has ended his bars, and consumed—from their own counsels.
7
And My people are hanging in suspense about My returning, || And to the Most High they call, || Together they do not exalt.
God’s Love for Israel
8
How do I give you up, O Ephraim? Do I deliver you up, O Israel? How do I make you as Admah? Do I set you as Zeboim? My heart is turned in Me, || My sympathy has been kindled together.
9
I do not do the fierceness of My anger, || I do not turn back to destroy Ephraim, || For I [am] God, and not a man—The Holy One in your midst, and I do not enter in enmity.
10
They go after YHWH—He roars as a lion, || When He roars, then the sons from the west tremble.
11
They tremble as a sparrow out of Egypt, || And as a dove out of the land of Asshur, || And I have caused them to dwell in their own houses,” || A declaration of YHWH.
12
“Ephraim has surrounded Me with feigning, || And the house of Israel with deceit. And Judah is again ruling with God, || And [is] faithful with the Holy Ones!”
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