Hosea 14

1 So return, O Israel, to YHWH your God! For you have stumbled by your iniquity.

2 Take with you⁺ words, and return to YHWH. Say to Him: “Lift away all iniquity, and receive what is good, and we offer the fruit of our lips.

3 Assyria cannot save us; we will not ride on horses, and we will not say anymore, ‘Our gods’ to the work of our hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”

4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them willingly; for My anger has turned back from him.

5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily, and he will strike forth his roots like Lebanon.

6 His branches will go forth, and his beauty will be like the olive tree, and the fragrance unto him like Lebanon.

7 Those dwelling in his shade will return; they will revive like the grain and blossom like the vine; his memorial [is] as wine of Lebanon.

8 O Ephraim, what [is] unto me anymore with idols? I have answered and have watched over him. I [am] luxuriant like a cypress; your fruit is found in Me.

9 Who [is] wise? Let him understand these [things]. [Who is] understanding? Let him know them. For straight [are] the ways of YHWH, and the righteous walk in them, and transgressors stumble in them.