How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I surrender you, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? I have had a change of heart; my compassion is stirred!
Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of my people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors. I know about their sufferings,
So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms round his neck, and kissed him.
Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to me, a delightful child? Whenever I speak against him, I certainly still think about him. Therefore, my inner being yearns for him; I will truly have compassion on him. This is the Lord’s declaration.
but the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and turned towards them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was not willing to destroy them. Even now he has not banished them from his presence.
After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labour, they cried out, and their cry for help because of the difficult labour ascended to God.
This is what the Lord says: Though they are strong and numerous, they will still be mowed down, and he will pass away. Though I have punished you, , I will punish you no longer.