1'Come, and let us return unto the LORD; for He hath torn, and He will heal us, He hath smitten, and He will bind us up.

2After two days will He revive us, on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence.

3And let us know, eagerly strive to know the LORD, His going forth is sure as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.'

4O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the dew that early passeth away.

5Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; and thy judgment goeth forth as the light.

6For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt-offerings.

7But they like men have transgressed the covenant; there have they dealt treacherously against Me.

8Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, it is covered with footprints of blood.

9And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so doth the company of priests; they murder in the way toward Shechem; yea, they commit enormity.

10In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing; there harlotry is found in Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

11Also, O Judah, there is a harvest appointed for thee! When I would turn the captivity of My people,