Add parallel Print Page Options

Return to the Lord!

14 Israel, return to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your guilt.
Take words with you[a] and return to the Lord.
    Say to him, “Forgive all our guilt,
    and receive us graciously,
    and let us present the fruit of our lips as bulls.[b]
Assyria cannot save us.
    We will not ride on horses.
    We will no longer call the work of our hands our gods!
    For in you the fatherless child finds compassion.”

I will cure them of their unfaithfulness.
    I will love them freely,
    for my anger has turned away from them.
I will be refreshing like dew to Israel.
    It will blossom like a lily.
    It will take root like a cedar of Lebanon.
Its young shoots will sprout.
    Its beauty will be like an olive tree.
    Its fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
Those who live in Israel’s shade will once again grow grain.
    They will blossom like a grape vine.
    Its fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim, how much more do I have to put up with from idols?
    I am the one who has answered, and I look after him.
    I am like a fresh fir tree.
    Your fruit comes from me.

Who is wise? Let him understand these things.
    Who is discerning? Let him know them.
    For the ways of the Lord are right,
    and the righteous walk in them,
    but the rebellious stumble in them.

Footnotes

  1. Hosea 14:2 Or prepare a speech or take back your words
  2. Hosea 14:2 The text and meaning of this line are uncertain.