1 Israel, return to the Lord your God;for you have fallen because of your sin.

2 Take words with you, and return to the Lord.Tell him, "Forgive all our sins,and accept that which is good:so we offer our lips like bulls.

3 Assyria can't save us.We won't ride on horses;neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'Our gods!'for in you the fatherless finds mercy."

4 "I will heal their waywardness.I will love them freely;for my anger is turned away from him.

5 I will be like the dew to Israel.He will blossom like the lily,and send down his roots like Lebanon.

6 His branches will spread,and his beauty will be like the olive tree,and his fragrance like Lebanon.

7 Men will dwell in his shade.They will revive like the grain,and blossom like the vine.Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.

8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols?I answer, and will take care of him.I am like a green fir tree;from me your fruit is found."

9 Who is wise, that he may understand these things?Who is prudent, that he may know them?For the ways of the Lord are right,and the righteous walk in them;But the rebellious stumble in them.