^{7 Ref} And my people are bent on backsliding from me: though they call them to `him that is' on high, none at all will exalt `him'.

^{8 Ref} How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? `how' shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? `how' shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.

^{9 Ref} I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in wrath.