18. “In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given as an inheritance to your fathers.
19. “But I said:‘How can I put you among the childrenAnd give you a pleasant land,A beautiful heritage of the hosts of nations?’“And I said:‘You shall call Me, “My Father,”And not turn away from Me.’
20. Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband,So have you dealt treacherously with Me,O house of Israel,” says the Lord.
21. A voice was heard on the desolate heights,Weeping and supplications of the children of Israel.For they have perverted their way;They have forgotten the Lord their God.
22. “Return, you backsliding children,And I will heal your backslidings.”“Indeed we do come to You,For You are the Lord our God.
23. Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills,And from the multitude of mountains;Truly, in the Lord our GodIs the salvation of Israel.
24. For shame has devouredThe labor of our fathers from our youth—Their flocks and their herds,Their sons and their daughters.