1 Come, let us return to the Lord, for He has torn,and He will heal us.He has struck,and He will bind us up.
2 After two days He will revive us.On the third day He will raise us up,that we may live before Him.
3 Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.His appearance is as sure as the dawn.He will come to us like the rain;like the spring rains He will water the earth.
4 What shall I do to you, O Ephraim?What shall I do to you, O Judah?Your faithfulness is like a morning cloud,and like the early dew it goes away.
5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets.I have killed them by the words of My mouth,and My judgments go forth like light.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice,and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7 But like men they have transgressed the covenant.There they dealt faithlessly with Me.
8 Gilead is a city of evildoers,polluted with blood.
9 As robbers lie in wait for someone,so a company of priestsmurder on the way to Shechem.They commit a shameful deed.
10 I have seen a horrible thingin the house of Israel.The harlotry of Ephraim is there;Israel is defiled.
11 Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you,when I restore the fortunes of My people.