[1] O Israel, return unto Jehovah thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. [2] Take with you words, and return unto Jehovah: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good: so will we render as bullocks the offering of our lips. [3] Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods; for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. [4] I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him. [5] I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall blossom as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. [6] His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon. [7] They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the grain, and blossom as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. [8] Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have answered, and will regard him: I am like a green fir-tree; from me is thy fruit found. [9] Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.
