Study Desk

The LORD said to me, "Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.

Go, proclaim this message toward the north: " 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the LORD , 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful,' declares the LORD , 'I will not be angry forever.

Only acknowledge your guilt- you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,' " declares the LORD .

"Return, faithless people," declares the LORD , "for I am your husband. I will choose you-one from a town and two from a clan-and bring you to Zion.

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land," declares the LORD , "men will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD .' It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made.

At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD , and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD . No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

In those days the house of Judah will join the house of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your forefathers as an inheritance.

"I myself said, " 'How gladly would I treat you like sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.' I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me.

But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you have been unfaithful to me, O house of Israel," declares the LORD .

A cry is heard on the barren heights, the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel, because they have perverted their ways and have forgotten the LORD their God.

"Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.