⁵ I knew (recognized, understood, and had regard for) you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

⁶ According to their pasture, so were they filled [when they fed, they grew full], and their heart was lifted up; therefore have they forgotten Me.

⁷ Therefore I have become to them like a lion; like a leopard I will lurk by the way [to Assyria] and watch them.