1O Israel, return to the LORD, your God; for your sins have been your downfall. 2Bring your confessions and return to the LORD; say to Him, “Forgive and take away all our sins, and receive us graciously; so that we may offer unto You the fruit of our praises. 3Assyria (Asshur) shall not save us; we will not mount warhorses, nor will we ever again say to the work of our hands, ‘You are our gods’; for in You the fatherless find mercy”. 4“I will heal their waywardness and backsliding; I will love them freely; for My anger has turned away from them. 5I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall grow like a lily, and send forth his roots like the cedars of Lebanon. 6His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like the cedar of Lebanon. 7People who dwelt under his shadow shall return; they shall thrive like the grain, and grow like the vine; the scent of it shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

8“Ephraim! Stay away from idols! I, Who am ever-lasting and ever-existing, and have it in My power to give My people blessings at all times, have no reason to contend or compete with idols. I am like a green fir tree, that is ever green and flourishing, and affords shelter in all seasons - not only in the summer.” 9Who is wise and discerning? Let them understand! For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in righteousness; but the rebellious shall stumble and fall.