1O Israel , return unto the LORD thy God ; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity . 2Take with you words , and turn to the LORD : say unto him, Take away all iniquity , and receive us graciously : so will we render the calves of our lips . 3Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses : neither will we say any more to the work of our hands , Ye are our gods : for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy .
God's Promise of Restoration
4I will heal their backsliding , I will love them freely : for mine anger is turned away from him. 5I will be as the dew unto Israel : he shall grow as the lily , and cast forth his roots as Lebanon . 6His branches shall spread , and his beauty shall be as the olive tree , and his smell as Lebanon . 7They that dwell under his shadow shall return ; they shall revive as the corn , and grow as the vine : the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon .
The Call to Acknowledge God
8Ephraim shall say , What have I to do any more with idols ? I have heard him , and observed him: I am like a green fir tree . From me is thy fruit found . 9Who is wise , and he shall understand these things ? prudent , and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right , and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.