16. This is what the Lord says:Keep your voice from weepingand your eyes from tears,for the reward for your work will come —this is the Lord’s declaration —and your children will return from the enemy’s land.
17. There is hope for your future —this is the Lord’s declaration —and your children will return to their own territory.
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.