International Standard Version

Hosea 6

1 “Come, let us return to the LORD; even though he has torn us, ^a he will heal us. Even though he has wounded us, he will bind our wounds. ^b

2 After two days, he will restore us to life, on the third day he will raise us up, and we will live in his presence.

3 Let us know, let us pursue knowledge of the LORD; his coming is as certain as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the autumn and spring rains come on the earth.

4 “What am I to do with you, Ephraim? What am I to do with you, Judah? Your love is like a morning rain cloud— it passes away like the morning dew.

5 Therefore I cut them ^c to pieces by the prophets, killing them by the words from my mouth. The verdict against you shines like a beacon.

6 For it is love that I seek, and not sacrifice; knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

7 “But like Adam, ^d they broke the covenant; in this they have acted deceitfully against me.

8 Gilead is a lawless town; it is polluted by bloodshed.

9 Like a gang of thieves that stalk a man, priests commit murder along the road to Shechem, committing shameful crimes.

10 I have seen a horrible evil in the house of Israel— Ephraim’s promiscuity. Israel is defiled.

11 “So, Judah, a harvest has been appointed for you when I restore my people from captivity.”