[1] Come, let us return to the LORD, for He has torn, and He will heal us. He has struck, and 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 before Him. [3] Let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain; like the spring rains He will water the earth. [4] What shall I do to you, O Ephraim? What shall I do to you, O Judah? 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 killed them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like light. [6] For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. [7] But like men they have transgressed the covenant. There they dealt faithlessly with Me. [8] Gilead is a city of evildoers, polluted with blood. [9] As robbers lie in wait for someone, so a company of priests murder on the way to Shechem. They commit a shameful deed. [10] I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel. The harlotry of Ephraim is there; Israel is defiled. [11] Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you, when I restore the fortunes of My people.
