7. And I thought: After she has done all this, she will return to me. But she did not return. Then, even though that traitor her sister Judah, saw
8. that, in response to all the adulteries rebel Israel had committed, I sent her away and gave her a bill of divorce, nevertheless Judah, the traitor, her sister, was not frightened; she too went off and played the prostitute.
9. With her casual prostitution, she polluted the land, committing adultery with stone and wood.
10. In spite of all this, Judah, the traitor, her sister, did not return to me wholeheartedly, but insincerely—oracle of the Lord.
11. Then the Lord said to me: Rebel Israel is more just than traitor Judah.
12. Go, proclaim these words toward the north, and say:Return, rebel Israel—oracle of the Lord—I will not remain angry with you;For I am merciful, oracle of the Lord,I will not keep my anger forever.
13. Only admit your guilt:how you have rebelled against the Lord, your God,How you ran here and there to strangersunder every green treeand would not listen to my voice—oracle of the Lord.
14. Return, rebellious children—oracle of the Lord—for I am your master;I will take you, one from a city, two from a clan,and bring you to Zion.
15. I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart,who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.