1. Let's return to the Lord.He has torn us to shreds,but he will bandage our woundsand make us well.
2. In two or three dayshe will heal usand restore our strengththat we may live with him.
3. Let's do our bestto know the Lord.His coming is as certainas the morning sun;he will refresh us like rainrenewing the earthin the springtime.
4. People of Israel and Judah,what can I do with you?Your love for me disappearsmore quickly than mistor dew at sunrise.
5. That's why I slaughtered youwith the wordsof my prophets.That's why my judgments blazedlike the dawning sun.
6. I'd rather you were faithfuland knew methan offered sacrifices.
7. At a place named Adam,you betrayed meby breaking our agreement.
8. Everyone in Gilead is evil;your hands are stainedwith the blood of victims.
9. You priests are like a gangof robbers in ambush.On the road to Shechemyou murder and commitother horrible crimes.
10. I have seen a terrible thingin Israel—you are unfaithfuland unfit to worship me.
11. People of Judah,your time is coming too.I, the Lord, would like to makemy nation prosper again