19. For after I had turned away, I relented,and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh; I was ashamed, and I was confounded,because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
20. Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he my darling child?For as often as I speak against him,I do remember him still. Therefore my heart yearns for him;I will surely have mercy on him,declares the Lord.
21. “Set up road markers for yourself;make yourself guideposts; consider well the highway, the road by which you went.Return, O virgin Israel,return to these your cities.
22. How long will you waver, O faithless daughter?For the Lord has created a new thing on the earth:a woman encircles a man.”
23. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Once more they shall use these words in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I restore their fortunes: “‘The Lord bless you, O habitation of righteousness, O holy hill!’