3
Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.
4
"O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away.
5
Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And your judgments are like light that goes forth.
6
For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
7
"But like men they transgressed the covenant; There they dealt treacherously with Me.
8
Gilead is a city of evildoers, And defiled with blood.
9
As bands of robbers lie in wait for a man, So the company of priests murder on the way to Shechem; Surely they commit lewdness.
10
I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel: There is the harlotry of Ephraim; Israel is defiled.
11
Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you, When I return the captives of My people.