Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin.

Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell her, "Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.

Assyria can't save us. We won't ride on horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'Our gods!' for in you the fatherless finds mercy."

"I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from her.

I will be like the dew to Israel. She will blossom like the lily, and send down her roots like Lebanon.

Her branches will spread, and her beauty will be like the olive tree, and her fragrance like Lebanon.

Women will dwell in her shade. They will revive like the grain, and blossom like the vine. Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.

Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of her. I am like a green fir tree; from me your fruit is found."

Who is wise, that she may understand these things? Who is prudent, that she may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.