耶和华对以色列的爱
1耶和华说：
“以色列年幼时，我就爱他，
视他为儿子，把他从埃及召出来。
2可是，我越召唤他们，他们就跑得越远，
给巴力献祭，向偶像烧香。
3是我教以法莲学步，张开双臂抱他们，
他们却不知道是我医治他们。
4我用慈绳爱索牵引他们，
解开他们所负的重轭，
弯腰喂养他们。
5“他们要返回埃及，
亚述要统治他们，
因为他们不肯归向我。
6刀剑之灾要临到他们的城邑，
毁坏他们的城门，将他们吞噬，
因为他们倚仗自己的计谋。
7我的子民执意离我而去，
他们虽然求告至高的我，
我也不会拯救他们。
8以法莲啊，我怎能舍弃你？
以色列啊，我怎能弃绝你？
我怎能使你的下场如押玛？
我怎能对待你如对待洗扁？
我的心意改变，我满怀怜爱。
9我不再发烈怒，
也不再毁灭以法莲。
因为我是上帝，不是世人，
是住在你们中间的圣者，
我必不带着烈怒来临。
10“以色列子民必跟随耶和华，
祂要像狮子一样吼叫。
祂吼叫的时候，
他们要战战兢兢地从西方来。
11他们必战战兢兢地来，
就像从埃及赶来的鸟儿，
像从亚述飞来的鸽子。
我要带他们返回家园。
这是耶和华说的。”
对以色列和犹大的指控
12耶和华说：
“以法莲用谎话包围我，
以色列家用诡诈环绕我；
犹大依然背离圣洁、信实的上帝11:12 “犹大依然背离圣洁、信实的上帝”或译为“犹大却与上帝同行，忠于圣者”。。
1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. 3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. 4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.11.4 take off: Heb. lift up
5¶ He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. 6And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour them, because of their own counsels. 7And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.11.7 none…: Heb. together they exalted not
8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. 9I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city. 10They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. 11They shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the LORD. 12Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.11.12 saints: or, most holy
