1. "Come, let us return to the Lord. He has hurt us but He will heal us. He has cut us but He will cover the sore.
2. After two days He will give us new life. He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him.
3. So keep on trying to know the Lord. His coming to us is as sure as the rising of the sun. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain giving water to the earth."
4. "What should I do with you, Ephraim? What should I do with you, Judah? Your loving-kindness is like a morning cloud, and like the water on the grass in the early morning.
5. So I have cut them in pieces by the men who speak for Me. I have killed them by the words of My mouth. My punishments come upon you like lightning.
6. I want loving-kindness and not a gift to be given in worship. I want people to know God instead of giving burnt gifts.
7. But like Adam they have sinned against the agreement. They were not faithful to Me there.
8. Gilead is a city of wrong-doers, with blood in every footstep.
9. Like robbers lie in wait for a man, a group of religious leaders kill on the way to Shechem. For sure they have done a sinful thing.
10. I have seen a very bad thing among the people of Israel. Ephraim has left Me to worship false gods. Israel has made itself unclean.
11. Also, Judah, there is a time coming for you, when I give back the riches of My people.