1

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

2

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

3

Asshur shall not save us we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

4

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

5

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

6

His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.

7

They that dwell under his shadow shall return they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.

8

Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.