4. What shall I do to you, O Ephraim?What shall I do to you, O Judah?Your faithfulness is like a morning cloud,and like the early dew it goes away.
5. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets.I have killed them by the words of My mouth,and My judgments go forth like light.
6. For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice,and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7. But like men they have transgressed the covenant.There they dealt faithlessly with Me.
8. Gilead is a city of evildoers,polluted with blood.
9. As robbers lie in wait for someone,so a company of priestsmurder on the way to Shechem.They commit a shameful deed.
10. I have seen a horrible thingin the house of Israel.The harlotry of Ephraim is there;Israel is defiled.
11. Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you,when I restore the fortunes of My people.