Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹⁵ I will go back to my place,
    until the people admit they are guilty,
    until they come looking for me.
Yes, in their trouble they will try very hard to find me.”

6 “Come, let’s go back to the Lord.
    He hurt us, but he will heal us.
    He wounded us, but he will put bandages on us.
² After two days he will bring us back to life.
    He will raise us up on the third day.
    Then we can live near him.
³ Let’s learn about the Lord.
    Let’s try very hard to know him.
We know he is coming,
    just as we know the dawn is coming.
He will come to us like the rain,
    like the spring rain that waters the ground.”

⁴ “Ephraim, what should I do with you?
    Judah, what should I do with you?
Your faithfulness is like a morning mist.
    Your faithfulness is like the dew that goes away early in the morning.
⁵ I used the prophets
    and made laws for the people.
The people were killed at my command,
    but good things will come from those decisions.^[a]
6 This is because I want faithful love,
    not sacrifice.
I want people to know God,
    not to bring burnt offerings.