1 "Return, Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have fallen due to your own iniquity.
2 Bring a prepared speech with you as you return to the LORD. Say to him: "Take away all our iniquity, and accept what is good. Then we will present the fruit of our lips.
3 Assyria won't save us; we won't be riding on horses, Nor will we be saying anymore to the work of our hands, "You are our God." Indeed, in you the orphan finds mercy.'
4 "I will correct their apostasy, loving them freely, since my anger will have turned away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel; Israel will blossom like a lily, growing roots like the cedars of Lebanon.
6 Israel's branches will spread out, and its beauty will be like an olive tree, with its scent like that of Lebanon.
7 Those who live under its protection will surely return. Their grain will flourish; they will blossom like a vine, and Israel's scent will be like wine from Lebanon.
8 "Ephraim, what have I in common with idols? I have listened and will pay attention to him. I am like a flourishing cypress; in me will your fruit be found."
9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right: the righteous follow his example, but the rebellious stumble in them.