The way home

18I have surely heard Ephraim grieving: ‘You disciplined me, and I was disciplined, like an untrained calf. Restore me, and I will return, for you are Yahweh my God.’

19For after I turned back, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh. I was ashamed, and also humiliated, because I bore the disgrace of my youth.

20Is Ephraim a precious son to me, a child of delight? For as often as I speak of him, I still surely remember him. Therefore my inward parts are stirred for him; I will surely have compassion on him, declares Yahweh.

21Set up road markers for yourself; place guideposts for yourself. Set your heart toward the highway, the way you went. Return, virgin Israel; return to these your cities.

22How long will you waver, faithless daughter? For Yahweh has created a new thing in the land: a woman will surround a man.