^1. RETURN, O Israel, to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled [1] because of your iniquity.

^2. Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to Him, « Take away all iniquity And [3] receive us graciously, That we may present [2] the fruit of our lips.

^3. «Assyria will not save us, We will not ride on horses; Nor will we say again, " Our god,' To the work of our hands; For in You the [4] orphan finds mercy.»

^4. I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.

^5. I will be like the dew to Israel; He will blossom like the lily, And he will [6] take root like the cedars of Lebanon. 6His shoots will [5] sprout, And his beauty will be like the olive tree And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.

^7. Those who live in his shadow Will again raise grain, And they will blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.

^8. O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; From Me comes your fruit.

^9. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.