20
"Is 1Ephraim My dearson? Is he a delightfulchild? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore* My 2heartyearns for him; I will surely3havemercy on him," declares the LORD.
18
"I have surely heard Ephraim grieving, 'You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the LORD my God.
19
'For after I turned back, I repented; And after I was instructed, I smote on my thigh; I was ashamed and also humiliated Because I bore the reproach of my youth.'
20
"Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him," declares the LORD .
21
"Set up for yourself roadmarks, Place for yourself guideposts; Direct your mind to the highway, The way by which you went. Return, O virgin of Israel, Return to these your cities.
22
"How long will you go here and there, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the earth - A woman will encompass a man."