Forsooth I said, How shall I set [or put] thee among sons, and shall give to thee a desirable land, a full clear heritage of the hosts of heathen men? And I said, Thou shalt call me, Father, and thou shalt not cease to enter after me.
And ye be converted today, and ye did that, that is rightful [or right] before mine eyes, that ye preached each man freedom to his friend, and ye made covenant in my sight, in the house wherein my name is called to help on that freedom.
On what thing may I be merciful to thee? Thy sons have forsaken me, and swear by them that be not gods. I [full-]filled them, and they did adultery, and in the house of an whore they did lechery.
Therefore the Lord of hosts saith these things, Lo! I shall well together, and I shall prove them; for why what other thing shall I do from the face of the daughter of my people?
How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? shall I defend thee, Israel? how shall I give thee up? As Admah I shall set thee; as Zeboiim. Mine heart is turned within me; my repentance is disturbed [or troubled] altogether.
Therefore they shall be as a morrowtide cloud, and as the dew of morrowtide, that passeth forth, as dust ravished by whirlwind from the cornfloor, and as smoke of a chimney.
When I would heal Israel, the wickedness of Ephraim was showed, and the malice of Samaria was showed, for they wrought leasing. And a night thief entered, and robbed; a day thief was withoutforth.
Forsooth the sons of Israel added to do evil in the sight of the Lord; and he comforted against them Eglon, the king of Moab, for they did evil in the sight of the Lord.