For it is love that I seek, and not sacrifice; knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

"Come, let us return to the LORD; even though he has torn us, he will heal us. Even though he has wounded us, he will bind our wounds.

"But like Adam, they broke the covenant; in this they have acted deceitfully against me.

Gilead is a lawless town; it is polluted by bloodshed.

Like a gang of thieves that stalk a man, priests commit murder along the road to Shechem, committing shameful crimes.

I have seen a horrible evil in the house of Israel Ephraim's promiscuity. Israel is defiled.

"So, Judah, a harvest has been appointed for you when I restore my people from captivity."

"What am I to do with you, Ephraim? What am I to do with you, Judah? Your love is like a morning rain cloud it passes away like the morning dew.

Therefore I cut them to pieces by the prophets, killing them by the words from my mouth. The verdict against you shines like a beacon.

Let us know, let us pursue knowledge of the LORD; his coming is as certain as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the autumn and spring rains come on the earth.

After two days, he will restore us to life, on the third day he will raise us up, and we will live in his presence.