Hosea 5:15–6:6

15 I will depart and return to my place

until they recognize their guilt and seek my face;al

they will search for me in their distress.am

A CALL TO REPENTANCE

6 Come, let’s return to the Lord.an

For he has torn us,ao

and he will heal us;ap

he has wounded us,

and he will bind up our wounds.aq

2 He will revive us after two days,ar

and on the third day he will raise us up

so we can live in his presence.as

3 Let’s strive to know the Lord.at

His appearance is as sure as the dawn.au

He will come to us like the rain,av

like the spring showers that water the land.

THE LORD’S FIRST LAMENT

4 What am I going to do with you, Ephraim?aw

What am I going to do with you, Judah?

Your love is like the morning mistax

and like the early dew that vanishes.

5 This is why I have used the prophets

to cut them down;C,ay

I have killed them with the words from my mouth.

My judgment strikes like lightning.D

6 For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice,

the knowledge of Godaz rather than burnt offerings.ba