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Raw Blame History

I will lead them as they make their pleas

Yahweh will lead them and they will be praying to Yahweh. Some ancient translations read, "Yahweh will lead them and will comfort them."

I will be a Father to Israel, and Ephraim will be my firstborn

Here "Ephraim" is another name for "Israel." Alternate translation: "I will be like a father to the people of Israel, and they will be like my firstborn child" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

my firstborn

The firstborn had special honor and responsibility.