[1] Come, let's return to the LORD. For he has torn us, and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds. [2] He will revive us after two days, and on the third day he will raise us up so we can live in his presence. [3] Let's strive to know the LORD. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land. [4] What am I going to do with you, Ephraim? What am I going to do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist and like the early dew that vanishes. [5] This is why I have used the prophets to cut them down; I have killed them with the words from my mouth. My judgment strikes like lightning. [6] For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. [7] But they, like Adam, have violated the covenant; there they have betrayed me. [8] Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with bloody footprints. [9] Like raiders who wait in ambush for someone, a band of priests murders on the road to Shechem. They commit atrocities. [10] I have seen something horrible in the house of Israel: Ephraim's promiscuity is there; Israel is defiled. [11] A harvest is also appointed for you, Judah. When I restore the fortunes of my people,
