And Jehovah was gracious to them, and pitied them, and turned toward them, for the sake of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and was not willing to destroy them, and not to cast them out from His presence as yet.
And it happened during these many days that the king of Egypt died, and the sons of Israel groaned from the slavery. And they cried, and their cry went up to God from the slavery.
And Jehovah said, Seeing I have seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry from before their taskmasters; for I know his sorrows.
Is Ephraim My dear son? Or is he a delightful child? For as often as I spoke against him, remembering I remember him still. So My bowels are stirred for him; pitying I will have pity on him, a statement of Jehovah.
How shall I give you up, Ephraim? Shall I deliver you, Israel? How shall I make you like Admah? Shall I set you as Zeboim? My heart has turned within Me; My compassions are kindled together.
So says Jehovah, Though secure, and therefore so many there will be, they will be cut off and pass away. And though I afflicted you, I will not afflict you any more.
And rising up, he came to his father. But he yet being far away, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. And running, he fell on his neck and fervently kissed him.