[1] O Israel, return [in repentance] to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled and fallen [visited by tragedy], because of your sin. [2] Take the words [confessing your guilt] with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him, “Take away all our wickedness; Accept what is good and receive us graciously, So that we may present the fruit of our lips (gratitude). [3] Assyria will not save us; We will not ride on horses [relying on military might], Nor will we say again to [the idols who are] the work of our hands, ‘You are our gods.’ For in You [O LORD] the orphan finds love and compassion and mercy.” [4] I will heal their apostasy and faithlessness; I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from Israel. [5] I shall be like the dew to Israel; He will blossom like the lily, And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon. [6] His shoots will sprout, And his beauty will be like the olive tree And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. [7] Those who live in his shadow Will again raise grain, And they will blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. [8] O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who have answered and will care for you and watch over you. I am like a luxuriant cypress tree; With Me your fruit is found [which is to nourish you]. [9] Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is [spiritually] discerning and understanding, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble and fall in them.
