1Come , and let us return unto Jehovah ; for he hath torn , and he will heal us ; he hath smitten , and he will bind us up . 2After two days will he revive us : on the third day he will raise us up , and we shall live before him . 3And let us know , let us follow on to know Jehovah : his going forth is sure as the morning ; and he will come unto us as the rain , as the latter rain that watereth the earth.
The Nature of God's Love and Judgment
4O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee ? O Judah , what shall I do unto thee ? for your goodness is as a morning cloud , and as the dew that goeth early away . 5Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets ; I have slain them by the words of my mouth : and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth . 6For I desire goodness , and not sacrifice ; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
7But they like Adam have transgressed the covenant : there have they dealt treacherously against me . 8Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity; it is stained with blood . 9And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem ; yea , they have committed lewdness . 10In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing : there whoredom is found in Ephraim, Israel is defiled . 11Also , O Judah , there is a harvest appointed for thee , when I bring back the captivity of my people .