Chapter 6
1 Come, let’s return to the Lord . For he has torn us, and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds.
2 He will revive us after two days, and on the third day he will raise us up so we can live in his presence.
3 Let’s strive to know the Lord . His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.
4 What am I going to do with you, Ephraim? What am I going to do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist and like the early dew that vanishes.
5 This is why I have used the prophets to cut them down; , I have killed them with the words from my mouth. My judgment strikes like lightning.
6 For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
7 But they, like Adam, have violated the covenant; there they have betrayed me.
8 Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with bloody footprints.
9 Like raiders who wait in ambush for someone, a band of priests murders on the road to Shechem. They commit atrocities.
10 I have seen something horrible in the house of Israel: Ephraim’s promiscuity is there; Israel is defiled.
11 A harvest is also appointed for you, Judah. When I restore the fortunes of my people,