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.
22. How long will you turn here and there,faithless daughter? For the Lord creates something new in the land —a female will shelter a man.
23. This is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore their fortunes, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities, ‘May the Lord bless you, righteous settlement, holy mountain.’