18. The people of Israel moanand say to me,“We were like wild bulls,but you, Lord, broke us,and we learnt to obey.You are our God—please let us come home.
19. When we were young,we strayed and sinned,but then we realizedwhat we had done.We are ashamed and disgracedand want to return to you.”
20. People of Israel,you are my own dear children.Don't I love you best of all?Though I often make threats,I want you to be near me,so I will have mercy on you.I, the Lord, have spoken.
21. With rock piles and signposts,mark the way home,my dear people.It is the same roadby which you left.
22. Will you ever decideto be faithful?I will make sure that some daythings will be different,as different as a womanprotecting a man.