Turn Back to the Lord

1Israel, return! Come back

to the Lord, your God.

Sin has made you fall.

2Return to the Lord and say,

“Please forgive our sins.

Accept our good sacrifices

of praise instead of bulls.+

3Assyria can't save us,

and chariots can't help.

So we will no longer worship

the idols we have made.

Our Lord, you show mercy

to orphans.”

The Lord Promises To Forgive

4Israel, you have rejected me,

but my anger is gone;

I will heal you and love you

without limit.

5I will be like the dew—

then you will blossom like lilies

and have roots like a tree.+

6Your branches will spread

with the beauty

of an olive tree

and with the aroma

of Lebanon Forest.

7You will rest in my shade,

and your grain will grow.

You will blossom

like a vineyard

and be famous as the wine

from Lebanon.

8Israel, give up your idols!

I will answer your prayers

and take care of you.+

I am that glorious tree,

the source of your fruit.+

9If you are wise, you will know

and understand what I mean.

I am the Lord, and I lead you

along the right path.

If you obey me,

we will walk together,

but if you are wicked,

you will stumble.