1 Israel’s Future Blessing O Israel, return [in repentance] to the Lyour God,For you have stumbledandfallen [visited by tragedy], because of your sin.
2 Take the words [confessing your guilt] with you and return to the L.Say to Him, “Take away all our wickedness;Accept what is goodandreceive us graciously,So that we may present the fruit of our lips (gratitude).
3 Assyria will not save us;We will not ride on horses [relying on military might],Nor will we say again to [the idols who are] the work of our hands,‘You are our gods.’For in You [O L] the orphan finds loveandcompassionandmercy.”
4 I will heal their apostasyandfaithlessness;I will love them freely,For My anger has turned away from Israel.
5 I shall be like the dew to Israel;He will blossom like the lily,And he will take root likethe cedars ofLebanon.
6 His shoots will sprout,And his beauty will be like the olive treeAnd his fragrance likethe cedars ofLebanon.
7 Those who live in his shadowWill again raise grain,And they will blossom like the vine.His renownwill belike the wine of Lebanon.
8 O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?It is I who have answered and will care for youandwatch over you.I am like a luxuriant cypress tree;With Me your fruit is found [which is to nourish you].
9 Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things;Whoeveris [spiritually] discerningandunderstanding, let him know them.For the ways of the Lare right,And the righteous will walk in them,But transgressors will stumbleandfall in them.