The chapter opens with a direct call to repent because sin has caused Israel's collapse.
1 Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin.
True return must include confession, plea for forgiveness, and renewed worship.
2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.
Israel must abandon Assyria, horses, and idols, trusting the LORD's compassion instead.
3 Assyria can’t save us. We won’t ride on horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ‘Our gods!’ for in you the fatherless finds mercy.”
God's mercy addresses the root of Israel's waywardness and removes the anger they deserved.
4 “I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from him.
The LORD becomes like dew to Israel, producing beauty, rootedness, fragrance, security, and fruit.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel. He will blossom like the lily, and send down his roots like Lebanon.
6 His branches will spread, and his beauty will be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon.
7 Men will dwell in his shade. They will revive like the grain, and blossom like the vine. Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green cypress tree; from me your fruit is found.”
The final word calls readers to discern the righteousness of God's ways and respond rightly.
9 Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.