And the LORD was gracious to them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them: yea, many times he turned his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
And it came to pass in the course of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the forced labor, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the forced labor.
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spoke against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my heart is troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, says the LORD.
How shall I give you up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver you, Israel? how shall I make you like Admah? how shall I treat you like Zeboim? my heart is overturned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
Thus says the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.