1Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn us, and He will heal us; He has injured, and He will bind up our wounds. 2After two days He will revive us; in the third day He will restore us, and we shall live in His presence. 3Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to know the LORD. As sure as the arrival of dawn, He shall appear; like the late (winter) and early (spring) rains come to the earth. 4“O Ephraim, what should I do with you? O Judah, what shall I do with you? For your goodness is like a morning mist; and like the early dew, it disappears. 5Therefore, I have cut you to pieces by My prophets; I have slain you by the words of My mouth; and yet My judgments shall go forth as the light (clear and beneficial). 6For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and knowledge of Me more than burnt offerings.

7“But they, like Adam, have violated the covenant; they have dealt treacherously with Me. 8Gilead is a city of evildoers, and polluted with bloodshed. 9And just as robbers lie in wait for a man, so do the priests band together to murder by their wicked schemes. 10I have seen a horrible thing in Israel: there Ephraim and Israel prostitute themselves with other gods; and are defiled. 11And I, God have also appointed a harvest of punishment for you, Judah, though I wanted to restore the fortunes of My people.