1 If you return, Israel, return to me, declares the Lord.If you get rid of your disgusting idols from my presenceand wander no more,
2 and if you swear by the living Godin truth, justice, and righteousness,then the nations will enjoy God’s blessings;they will boast about him.
3 This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to the residents of Jerusalem:Break up your hard rocky soil;don’t plant among the thorns.
4 Dedicate yourselves to the Lord;don’t be thick-skinned,people of Judah and residents of Jerusalem,or else my anger will spread like a wildfire.It will burn, with no one to put it out,because of your evil deeds.
5 Announce in Judah,in Jerusalem proclaim,sound the alarm throughout the land,cry out and say,"Gather together!Let’s flee to the fortified towns!"
6 Set up a flag to Zion;take cover, don’t just stand there!I’m bringing disaster from the north,massive devastation.