17. There is hope for your future—oracle of the Lord—your children shall return to their own territory.
18. Indeed, I heard Ephraim rocking in grief:You chastised me, and I was chastised;I was like an untamed calf.Bring me back, let me come back,for you are the Lord, my God.
19. For after I turned away, I repented;after I came to myself, I struck my thigh;I was ashamed, even humiliated,because I bore the disgrace of my youth.
20. Is Ephraim not my favored son,the child in whom I delight?Even though I threaten him,I must still remember him!My heart stirs for him,I must show him compassion!—oracle of the Lord.
21. Set up road markers,put up signposts;Turn your attention to the highway,the road you walked.Turn back, virgin Israel,turn back to these your cities.
22. How long will you continue to hesitate,rebellious daughter?The Lord has created a new thing upon the earth:woman encompasses man.
23. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: When I restore their fortunes in the land of Judah and in its cities, they shall again use this greeting: “May the Lord bless you, Tent of Justice, Holy Mountain!”
24. Judah and all its cities, the farmers and those who lead the flock shall dwell there together.
25. For I will slake the thirst of the faint; the appetite of all the weary I will satisfy.