Hosea 6

1Come, let us return to Yahweh, for he has torn us, but he will heal us; he has struck us, but he will bind us up.

2He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.

3So let us know; let us press on to know Yahweh. His going forth is as sure as the dawn, and he will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the earth.

4What shall I do with you, Ephraim? What shall I do with you, Judah? Your loyalty is like a morning cloud, and like dew that goes away early.

5Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgments go forth like light.

6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

7But they, like Adam, transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with me.

8Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with blood.

9And like men lying in wait, a band of priests murders on the way to Shechem; indeed, they have committed wickedness.

10In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing: there is prostitution in Ephraim; Israel has defiled itself.

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