²⁰ Is not Ephraim my dear son,
    the child^(A) in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him,
    I still remember^(B) him.
Therefore my heart yearns for him;
    I have great compassion^(C) for him,”
declares the Lord.

⁷ Let the wicked forsake^(A) their ways
    and the unrighteous their thoughts.^(B)
Let them turn^(C) to the Lord, and he will have mercy^(D) on them,
    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.^(E)

¹⁸ Who is a God^(A) like you,
    who pardons sin^(B) and forgives^(C) the transgression
    of the remnant^(D) of his inheritance?^(E)
You do not stay angry^(F) forever
    but delight to show mercy.^(G)
19 You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities^(H) into the depths of the sea.^(I)

¹⁵ Look down from heaven^(A) and see,
    from your lofty throne,^(B) holy and glorious.
Where are your zeal^(C) and your might?
    Your tenderness and compassion^(D) are withheld^(E) from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion^(A) on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

⁴ “I will heal^(A) their waywardness^(B)
    and love them freely,^(C)
    for my anger has turned away^(D) from them.

³¹ For no one is cast off
    by the Lord forever.^(A)
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
    so great is his unfailing love.^(B)