1Israel, return to the LORD your God. You have fallen because of your sin.
2Take words with you, and turn to the LORD. Say to him, "Take away all our sin, and receive us with grace. Then we will offer the calves of our lips."
3"Asshur will not save us. We will not ride on horses. We will never again say to the work of our hands, 'You are our gods.' For in you the fatherless finds mercy."
4I will heal them when they turn away from me. I will love them freely, for my anger has turned away from him.
5I will be like the dew to Israel. He will grow like the lily, and send out his roots like Lebanon.
6His branches will spread out. His beauty will be like the olive tree, and his smell like Lebanon.
7Those who live in his shade will return. They will come to life again like the grain, and grow like the vine. Their scent will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8Ephraim will say, "What have I to do any more with idols?" I have heard him, and I have watched over him. I am like a green fir tree. Your fruit is found in me.
9Who is wise, so that he will understand these things? Who has sense, so that he will know them? For the ways of the LORD are right. The just will walk in them, but those who break the law will fall in them.