Why {then} is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:

The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen {that} which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

They return, {but} not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this {shall be} their derision in the land of Egypt.

{As} they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man {shall be satisfied} from himself.

And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou {it} for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

And them that are turned back from the LORD; and {those} that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.

Wherefore, when I came, {was there} no man? when I called, {was there} none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because {there is} no water, and dieth for thirst.

Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that {it is} an evil {thing} and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear {is} not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Let favour be shewed to the wicked, {yet} will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen {doth gather} her brood under {her} wings, and ye would not!

And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Why {then} is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, {thou} that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under {her} wings, and ye would not!

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

{As} they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and {my} fatlings {are} killed, and all things {are} ready: come unto the marriage.

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.

And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. {it shooteth...: or, thou sendest it forth} {he...: or, when he removeth it with}

The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away.

For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.

They return, {but} not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this {shall be} their derision in the land of Egypt.

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; {for} he {is} holy. {he is...: or, it is holy}