18. I have heard Ephraim moaning,“You disciplined me, and I have been disciplinedlike an untrained calf. Restore me, and I will return,for you, Lord, are my God.
19. After I returned, I repented;After I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”
20. Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to Me,a delightful child? Whenever I speak against him,I certainly still think about him.Therefore, My inner being yearns for him;I will truly have compassion on him. This is the Lord’s declaration.
21. Set up road markers for yourself;establish signposts!Keep the highway in mind,the way you have traveled.Return, Virgin Israel!Return to these cities of yours.