Hosea 6

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

2He will give us life after two days, raise us on the third day, and we will live in his presence.

3Let us know, let us pursue knowing Yahweh; like the dawn his coming stands firm, and he will come to us like rain, like the latter rain that waters the earth.

4Ephraim, what can I do for you? Judah, what can I do for you? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that rises early and departs.

5Therefore I cut them through the prophets; I killed them through the words of my mouth, and your judgments go forth like light.

6For I desire mercy rather than sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

7But they, like Adam, have violated the covenant; there they have betrayed me.

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

9Like bands lying in wait for a man, the company of priests murder on the way to Shechem, for they have committed lewdness.

10In the house of Israel I have seen a most detestable thing: there is Ephraim's whoredom; Israel is defiled.

11Also, Judah, your harvest is set when I restore the fortunes of my people.