14:1   Israel, return! Come back to the LORD, your God. Sin has made you fall.

14:2   Return to the LORD and say, "Please forgive our sins. Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bulls.

14:3   Assyria can't save us, and chariots can't help. So we will no longer worship the idols we have made. Our LORD, you show mercy to orphans."

14:4   Israel, you have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit.

14:5   I will be like the dew-- then you will blossom like lilies and have roots like a tree.

14:6   Your branches will spread with the beauty of an olive tree and with the aroma of Lebanon Forest.

14:7   You will rest in my shade, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon.

14:8   Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you. I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit.

14:9   If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.