Out of Egypt I Called My Son
(Matthew 2:13–15)

1When Israel (he wrestles with God) was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt (land of bondage) I called My son <Mat 2:15>.a

2But the more I called Israel,

the farther they departed from Me.b

They sacrificed to the Baals (lord)

and burned incense to carved images.

3It was I who taught Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel)c to walk,

taking them by the arms,

but they never realized

that it was I who healed them.

4I led them with cords of kindness,

with ropes of love;

I lifted the yoke from their necks

and bent down to feed them.

5Will they not return to the land of Egypt (land of bondage)

and be ruled by Assyria (a step)

because they refused to repent?

6A sword will flash through their cities;

it will destroy the bars of their gates

and consume them in their own plans.

7My people are bent on turning from Me.

Though they call to the Most High,

He will by no means exalt them.

God’s Love for Israel

8How could I give you up, O Ephraim (doubly fruitful)?

How could I surrender you, O Israel (he wrestles with God)?

How could I make you like Admah (red earth)?

How could I treat you like Zeboiim (gazelles)?

My heart is turned within Me;

My compassion is stirred!

9I will not execute the full fury of My anger;

I will not destroy Ephraim (doubly fruitful) again.

For I am God and not man—

the Holy One among you—

and I will not come in wrath.

10They will walk after the LORD {YHWH};

He will roar like a lion.

When He roars,

His children will come trembling from the west.

11They will come trembling like birds from Egypt (land of bondage)

and like doves from the land of Assyria (a step).

Then I will settle them in their homes,

declares the LORD {YHWH}.

12Ephraim (doubly fruitful) surrounds Me with lies,

the house of Israel (he wrestles with God) with deceit;

but Judah (praised) still walks with God

and is faithful to the Holy One.d