1 Israel Unrepentant
1 "Come, let us return to the Lord. 1 He has torn us to pieces 1 but he will heal us; 1 he has injured us 1 but he will bind up our wounds.
2 After two days he will revive us; 2 on the third day he will restore us, 2 that we may live in his presence.
3 Let us acknowledge the Lord; 3 let us press on to acknowledge him. 3 As surely as the sun rises, 3 he will appear; 3 he will come to us like the winter rains, 3 like the spring rains that water the earth."
4 "What can I do with you, Ephraim? 4 What can I do with you, Judah? 4 Your love is like the morning mist, 4 like the early dew that disappears.
5 Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, 5 I killed you with the words of my mouth— 5 then my judgments go forth like the sun.[a]
6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, 6 and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
7 As at Adam,[b] they have broken the covenant; 7 they were unfaithful to me there.
8 Gilead is a city of wicked people, 8 stained with footprints of blood.
9 As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, 9 so do bands of priests; 9 they murder on the road to Shechem, 9 carrying out their wicked schemes.
10 I have seen a horrible thing 10 in the house of Israel. 10 There Ephraim is given to prostitution 10 and Israel is defiled.
11 "Also for you, Judah, 11 a harvest is appointed. 11 "Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people,
