[1] Israel, return! Come back to the LORD, your God. Sin has made you fall. [2] Return to the LORD and say, "Please forgive our sins. Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bulls. [3] Assyria can't save us, and chariots can't help. So we will no longer worship the idols we have made. Our LORD, you show mercy to orphans." [4] Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit. [5] I will be like the dew- then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree. [6] Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of Lebanon Forest. [7] You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon. [8] Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit. [9] If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.
