Is Ephraim my deare sonne? is he a pleasant child?] Heb. a child of delights. as Isaiah 5:7. Is he so? no: for he hath done, what lay in him, to cause me to cast him off. Or rather, Is it Ephraim my dear sonne, the child I delight in, that bemoaneth himself in this manner? as 1 Samuel 24:16. since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still] Heb. remembring remember. Deuteronomy 7:18. Notwithstanding my sharp menaces of heavie judgements; yet I have him still in minde, and mine affection is still entire and tender towards him, Isaiah 49:15. vers. 3. 9. my bowels are troubled for him] My bowels earn toward him; as a tender mothers towards her child, being in pain, danger or distresse, 1 Kings 3:26. Heb. sound for him. Isaiah 63:15. Hosea 11:8. I will surely have mercy upon him] Heb. having mercy have mercy.