The Book of the Prophet Hosea 6

 The Book of the Prophet Hosea 6

1 Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us; he has injured us, but he will bind up our wounds.

2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live in his presence.

3 Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

4 What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the early dew that disappears.

5 Therefore I cut them down by the prophets; I killed them with the words of my mouth; your judgments will go forth like the dawn.

6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. 

7 But they transgressed the covenant, like Adam; they dealt treacherously against me.

8 Gilead is the city of those who practice iniquity, trampled with blood.

9 Like bands of robbers lying in wait for someone, so is the company of priests who murder on the road to Shechem; yes, they have committed abominations.

10 I see a horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the prostitution of Ephraim; Israel is defiled.

11 Also for you, O Judah, a harvest has been appointed, when I restore the fortunes of my people.