1 Let's return to the Lord.He has torn us to shreds,but he will bandage our woundsand make us well.
2 In two or three dayshe will heal usand restore our strengththat we may live with him.
3 Let's do our bestto know the Lord.His coming is as certainas the morning sun;he will refresh us like rainrenewing the earthin the springtime.
4 People of Israel and Judah,what can I do with you?Your love for me disappearsmore quickly than mistor dew at sunrise.
5 That's why I slaughtered youwith the wordsof my prophets.That's why my judgments blazedlike the dawning sun.
6 I'd rather for you to be faithfuland to know methan to offer sacrifices.
7 At a place named Adam,you betrayed meby breaking our agreement.
8 Everyone in Gilead is evil;your hands are stainedwith the blood of victims.
9 You priests are like a gangof robbers in ambush.On the road to Shechemyou murder and commitother horrible crimes.
10 I have seen a terrible thingin Israel—you are unfaithfuland unfit to worship me.
11 People of Judah,your time is coming too.I, the Lord, would like to makemy nation prosper again