6:1 "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

6:2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.

6:3 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."

6:4 "What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.

6:5 Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth; my judgments flashed like lightning upon you.

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

6:7 Like Adam, they have broken the covenant--they were unfaithful to me there.

6:8 Gilead is a city of wicked men, stained with footprints of blood.

6:9 As marauders lie in ambush for a man, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, committing shameful crimes.

6:10 I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel. There Ephraim is given to prostitution and Israel is defiled.

6:11 "Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed.