9. Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.
10. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretence,’ declares the Lord.
11. The Lord said to me, ‘Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.
12. Go, proclaim this message towards the north:‘ “Return, faithless Israel,” declares the Lord,“I will frown on you no longer,for I am faithful,” declares the Lord,“I will not be angry for ever.
13. Only acknowledge your guilt –you have rebelled against the Lord your God,you have scattered your favours to foreign godsunder every spreading tree,and have not obeyed me,” ’declares the Lord.
14. ‘Return, faithless people,’ declares the Lord, ‘for I am your husband. I will choose you – one from a town and two from a clan – and bring you to Zion.
15. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.
16. In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘people will no longer say, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord.” It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made.