5. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets,I have slain them by the words of My mouth;And your judgments are like light that goes forth.
6. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7. “But like men they transgressed the covenant;There they dealt treacherously with Me.
8. Gilead is a city of evildoersAnd defiled with blood.
9. As bands of robbers lie in wait for a man,So the company of priests murder on the way to Shechem;Surely they commit lewdness.
10. I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel:There is the harlotry of Ephraim;Israel is defiled.
11. Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you,When I return the captives of My people.