“1 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by
thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto
him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we
render the calves of our lips. 3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not
ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands,
[Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.”
“4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine
anger is turned away from him. 5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he
shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. 6 His
branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and
his smell as Lebanon. 7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return;
they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof
[shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.”
“8 Ephraim [shall say], What have I to do any more with idols? I have
heard [him], and observed him: I [am] like a green fir tree. From me is
thy fruit found. 9 Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these
[things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD
[are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors
shall fall therein.” (Hosea 14:1-9 AV)