1 O Israel, return [in repentance] to the Lord your God,

For you have stumbled and fallen [visited by tragedy], because of your sin.

2 Take the words [confessing your guilt] with you and return to the Lord.

Say to Him, "Take away all our wickedness;

Accept what is good and receive us graciously,

So that we may present the fruit of our lips (gratitude). [Heb 13:15]

3 "Assyria will not save us;

We will not ride on horses [relying on military might],

Nor will we say again to [the idols who are] the work of our hands,

‘You are our gods.’

For in You [O Lord] the orphan finds love and compassion and mercy."

4 I will heal their apostasy and faithlessness;

I will love them freely,

For My anger has turned away from Israel.

5 I shall be like the dew to Israel;

He will blossom like the lily,

And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon.

6 His shoots will sprout,

And his beauty will be like the olive tree

And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.

7 Those who live in his shadow

Will again raise grain,

And they will blossom like the vine.

His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

8 O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?

It is I who have answered and will care for you and watch over you.

I am like a luxuriant cypress tree;

With Me your fruit is found [which is to nourish you].

9 Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things;

Whoever is [spiritually] discerning and understanding, let him know them.

For the ways of the Lord are right,

And the righteous will walk in them,

But transgressors will stumble and fall in them. [Ps 107:43; Is 26:7; Jer 9:12; Dan 12:10]