1 Israel, return! Come backto the Lord, your God.Sin has made you fall.
2 Return to the Lord and say,“Please forgive our sins.Accept our good sacrificesof praise instead of bulls.
3 Assyria can't save us,and chariots can't help.So we will no longer worshipthe idols we have made.Our Lord, you show mercyto orphans.”
4 Israel, you have rejected me,but my anger is gone;I will heal you and love youwithout limit.
5 I will be like the dew—then you will blossom like liliesand have roots like a tree.
6 Your branches will spreadwith the beautyof an olive treeand with the aromaof Lebanon Forest.
7 You will rest in my shade,and your grain will grow.You will blossomlike a vineyardand be famous as the winefrom Lebanon.
8 Israel, give up your idols!I will answer your prayersand take care of you.I am that glorious tree,the source of your fruit.
9 If you are wise, you will knowand understand what I mean.I am the Lord, and I lead youalong the right path.If you obey me,we will walk together,but if you are wicked,you will stumble.