The Unrepentance of Israel and Judah

1Come, let us return to the LORD {YHWH}.

For He has torn us to pieces,

but He will heal us;

He has wounded us,

but He will bind up our wounds.

2After two days He will revive us;

on the third day He will raise us up,

that we may live in His presence.

3So let us know—

let us press on to know the LORD {YHWH}.

As surely as the sun rises,

He will appear;

He will come to us like the rain,

like the spring showers that water the earth.

4What shall I do with you, O Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel)a?

What shall I do with you, O Judah (praised)?

For your⁺ loyalty is like a morning mist,

like the early dew that vanishes.

5Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets;

I have slain them by the words of My mouth,

and My judgments go forth like lightning.

6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice <Mat 9:13, Mat 12:7>,b

and the knowledge of God {Elohim}

rather than burnt offerings.

7But they, like Adam (red), have transgressed (As at Adam, they have transgressed)c the covenant;

there they were unfaithful to Me.

8Gilead (rocky region) is a city of evildoers,

tracked with footprints of blood.

9Like raiders who lie in ambush,

so does a band of priests;

they murder on the way to Shechem (shoulder);

surely they have committed atrocities.

10In the house of Israel (he wrestles with God)

I have seen a horrible thing:

Ephraim (doubly fruitful) practices prostitution there,

and Israel is defiled.

11Also for you, O Judah (praised),

a harvest is appointed,

when I restore

My people from captivity (restore the fortunes of My people).d