International Standard Version

876/1189

Hosea 14

1 a “Return, Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have fallen due to your own iniquity.

2 Bring a prepared speech with you as you return to the LORD. Say to him: ‘Take away all our b iniquity, and accept what is good. Then we will present the fruit c of our lips.

3 Assyria won’t save us; we won’t be riding on horses, Nor will we be saying anymore to the work of our hands, “You are d our God.” Indeed, in you the orphan finds mercy.’

4 “I will correct their apostasy, loving them freely, since my anger will have turned away from them. e

5 I will be like the dew to Israel; Israel f will blossom like a lily, growing roots like the cedars of g Lebanon.

6 Israel’s h branches will spread out, and its beauty will be like an olive tree, with its scent like that of Lebanon.

7 Those who live under its protection i will surely return. Their grain will flourish; they will blossom like a vine, and Israel’s j scent will be like wine from Lebanon.

8 “Ephraim, what have I in common with idols? I have listened and will pay attention to him. I am like a flourishing cypress; in me will your fruit be found.”

9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right: the righteous follow his example, but the rebellious stumble in them.