1[152]Return, Israel, to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled [153]because of your wrongdoing.
2Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him, “Take away all guilt And [154]receive us graciously, So that we may present [155]the fruit of our lips.
3Assyria will not save us, We will not ride on horses; Nor will we say again, ‘Our god’ To the work of our hands; For in You the [156]orphan finds mercy.”
4I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, Because My anger has turned away from them.
5I will be like the dew to Israel; He will blossom like the lily, And he will [157]take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
6His shoots will [158]sprout, His [159]majesty will be like the olive tree, And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.
7Those who live in his shadow Will [160]again raise grain, And they will blossom like the vine. His fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after [161]you. I am like a luxuriant juniper; From Me [162]comes your fruit.
9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But wrongdoers will stumble in them.