18 I hear, yes, I hear Ephraim lamenting:"You disciplined me,and I learned my lesson,even though I was as stubborn as a mule.Bring me back, let me return,because you are the Lord my God.
19 After I turned away from you,I regretted it;I realized what I had done,and I have hit myself—I was humiliated and disgraced,and I have carried this disgracesince I was young."
20 Isn’t Ephraim my much-loved child?Don’t I utterly adore him?Even when I scold him,I still hold him dear.I yearn for him and love him deeply,declares the Lord.
21 Set up markers,put up signs;think about the road you have traveled,the path you have taken.Return, virgin Israel;return to these towns of yours.
22 How long will you hem and haw,my rebellious daughter?The Lord has created something new on earth:Virgin Israel will once again embrace her God!
23 The Lord of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims: When I bring my people back from captivity, they will once again utter these words in the land and towns of Judah:The Lord bless you,righteous dwelling place,holy mountain.
24 Those who live in Judah and its towns will dwell together with farmers and shepherds.