When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt... I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew...
1When Israel a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 2they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. 3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. 4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. 5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return. 6And the sword shall abide on his cities, and shall consume his branches, and devour , because of their own counsels. 7And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt . 8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. 9I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
This may be the most emotionally raw portrait of God in Scripture. Here is no distant sovereign or cosmic judge—here is a parent whose heart is breaking.
God speaks as a father who taught his toddler to walk, 'taking them by their arms.' He drew them with 'bands of love.' And they turned away. Now judgment looms, but God cannot bear it: 'How shall I give thee up?' His 'heart is turned within me'—literally, his insides churn with conflicted love.