8I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorce, yet treacherous Judah, her sister, didn`t fear; but she also went and played the prostitute.
9It happened through the lightness of her prostitution, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
10Yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not returned to me with her whole heart, but only in pretense, says Yahweh.
11Yahweh said to me, Backsliding Israel has showed herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.
12Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, you backsliding Israel, says Yahweh; I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful, says Yahweh, I will not keep [anger] forever.
13Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against Yahweh your God, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice, says Yahweh.
14Return, backsliding children, says Yahweh; for I am a husband to you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
