Come , let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces , but He will heal us ; He has wounded us , but He will bind up our wounds.
After two days He will revive us ; on the third day He will raise us up , that we may live in His presence.
So let us know — let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises , He will appear ; He will come like the rain , like the spring showers that water the earth.
What shall I do O Ephraim ? What shall I do O Judah ? For your loyalty is like a morning mist , like the early dew that vanishes.
Therefore ... I have hewn (them) by the prophets ; I have slain them by the words of My mouth , and My judgments go forth like lightning.
For I desire mercy , not sacrifice , and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
But they , like Adam , have transgressed the covenant ; there they were unfaithful
Gilead is a city of evildoers ... , tracked with footprints of blood.
Like raiders who lie in ambush ... , (so does) a band of priests ; they murder on the way to Shechem ; surely they have committed atrocities.
In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing : Ephraim practices prostitution there , (and) Israel is defiled.
Also O Judah , a harvest is appointed , when I restore My people from captivity.