Thomson(i)
1 In their affliction they will seek me early, saying, "Come, let us return to the Lord our God, for it is he who hath torn and he can heal us. He can smite, and into our wounds he can pour balm;
2 in two days he can restore us to health; on the third day we shall be raised up and live before him.
3 Let us acknowledge; let us continue our pursuit to know the Lord; sure as the morning we shall find him. He will come like rain for us; like the former and latter rain for the earth."
4 What shall I do for thee, Ephraim? What shall I do for thee, Juda? As for your goodness, it was like a morning cloud; like the transient dew of the morning:
5 for this cause I mowed down your prophets, I slew them with the word of my mouth, and my judgment shall go forth as light;
6 for I desire mercy rather than sacrifice, and an acknowledgment of God rather than whole burnt offerings.
7 As for them, they are like man transgressing a covenant.
8 There the city Galaad hath contemned me; it is a framer of vanities, a troubler of water,
9 and thy strength was that of a mighty robber. The priests concealed the way; they acted the murder at Sikima. Because they committed iniquity in the house of Israel,
10 I saw there the horrible fornication of Ephraim. Israel is polluted.
11 Now Juda begin an ingathering for thyself. When I bring back the captivity of my people.