# 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.
