18 In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.
19 ‘I myself said,‘ “How gladly would I treat you like my childrenand give you a pleasant land,the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.”I thought you would call me “Father”and not turn away from following me.
20 But like a woman unfaithful to her husband,so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,’declares the Lord.
21 A cry is heard on the barren heights,the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel,because they have perverted their waysand have forgotten the Lord their God.
22 ‘Return, faithless people;I will cure you of backsliding.’‘Yes, we will come to you,for you are the Lord our God.
23 Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hillsand mountains is a deception;surely in the Lord our Godis the salvation of Israel.
24 From our youth shameful gods have consumedthe fruits of our ancestors’ labour –their flocks and herds,their sons and daughters.