⁴ “Their deeds do not permit them
    to return^(H) to their God.
A spirit of prostitution^(I) is in their heart;
    they do not acknowledge^(J) the Lord.
⁵ Israel’s arrogance testifies^(K) against them;
    the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble^(L) in their sin;
    Judah also stumbles with them.^(M)
6 When they go with their flocks and herds
    to seek the Lord,^(N)
they will not find him;
    he has withdrawn^(O) himself from them.
⁷ They are unfaithful^(P) to the Lord;
    they give birth to illegitimate^(Q) children.
When they celebrate their New Moon feasts,^(R)
    he will devour^[a](S) their fields.

⁸ “Sound the trumpet^(T) in Gibeah,^(U)
    the horn in Ramah.^(V)
Raise the battle cry in Beth Aven^[b];^(W)
    lead on, Benjamin.

⁶ For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,^(A)
    and acknowledgment^(B) of God rather than burnt offerings.^(C)
7 As at Adam,^[a] they have broken the covenant;^(D)
    they were unfaithful^(E) to me there.
⁸ Gilead is a city of evildoers,^(F)
    stained with footprints of blood.
⁹ As marauders lie in ambush for a victim,^(G)
    so do bands of priests;
they murder^(H) on the road to Shechem,
    carrying out their wicked schemes.^(I)
10 I have seen a horrible^(J) thing in Israel:
    There Ephraim is given to prostitution,
    Israel is defiled.^(K)

¹¹ “Also for you, Judah,
    a harvest^(L) is appointed.

“Whenever I would restore the fortunes^(M) of my people,