17. There is hope for your future,” says the lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.
18. I have heard Israel saying,‘You disciplined me severely,like a calf that needs training for the yoke.Turn me again to you and restore me,for you alone are the lord my God.
19. I turned away from God,but then I was sorry.I kicked myself for my stupidity!I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’
20. “Is not Israel still my son,my darling child?” says the lord.“I often have to punish him,but I still love him.That’s why I long for himand surely will have mercy on him.
21. Set up road signs;put up guideposts.Mark well the pathby which you came.Come back again, my virgin Israel;return to your towns here.