[1] Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but 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 in His sight. [3] Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth. [4] "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For 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 slain them by the words of My mouth; And your judgments are like light that goes forth. [6] For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. [7] "But like men they transgressed the covenant; There they dealt treacherously with Me. [8] Gilead is a city of evildoers And defiled with blood. [9] As bands of robbers lie in wait for a man, So the company of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Surely they commit lewdness. [10] I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel: There is the harlotry of Ephraim; Israel is defiled. [11] Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you, When I return the captives of My people.
