19. The Lord says,“Israel, I wanted to accept you as my childand give you a delightful land,the most beautiful land in all the world.I wanted you to call me father,and never again turn away from me.
20. But like an unfaithful wife,you have not been faithful to me.I, the Lord, have spoken.”
21. A noise is heard on the hilltops:it is the people of Israel crying and pleading,because they have lived sinful livesand have forgotten the Lord their God.
22. Return, all of you who have turned away from the Lord;he will heal you and make you faithful.You say, “Yes, we are coming to the Lord, because he is our God.