1Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn us, and He will heal us; He has injured, and He will bind up our wounds.
2After two days will He revive us; in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.
3Then we shall know, if we press on to know the LORD; His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come to us as the late and early rain to the earth.
4O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your goodness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away.
5Therefore have I hewed (cut you) by the prophets; I have slain you by the words of My mouth; and yet Your judgments are as the light that goes forth.
6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7But they, like Adam, have violated the covenant; they have dealt treacherously with Me.
8Gilead is a city of those who do evil, and is polluted with bloodshed.
9And as robbers lie in wait for a man, so do the priests band together to murder by their wicked schemes.
10I have seen a horrible thing in Israel; there Ephraim and Israel prostitute themselves with other gods; and are defiled.
11And I, God have also appointed a harvest for you, Judah, when I restore the captivity of My people. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |