1. Israel, return! Come backto the Lord, your God.Sin has made you fall.
2. Return to the Lord and say,“Please forgive our sins.Accept our good sacrificesof praise instead of bulls.
3. Assyria can't save us,and chariots can't help.So we will no longer worshipthe idols we have made.Our Lord, you show mercyto orphans.”
4. Israel, you have rejected me,but my anger is gone;I will heal you and love youwithout limit.
5. I will be like the dew—then you will blossom like liliesand have roots like a tree.
6. Your branches will spreadwith the beautyof an olive treeand with the aromaof Lebanon Forest.
7. You will rest in my shade,and your grain will grow.You will blossomlike a vineyardand be famous as the winefrom Lebanon.
8. Israel, give up your idols!I will answer your prayersand take care of you.I am that glorious tree,the source of your fruit.
9. If you are wise, you will knowand understand what I mean.I am the Lord, and I lead youalong the right path.If you obey me,we will walk together,but if you are wicked,you will stumble.