But God being compassionate forgave their sin; he did not utterly destroy them. Time and again he turned back his anger, unwilling to unleash all his rage.
Go, proclaim these words toward the north, and say: Return, rebel Israel—oracle of the Lord— I will not remain angry with you; For I am merciful, oracle of the Lord, I will not keep my anger forever.
for I am with you—oracle of the Lord—to save you. I will bring to an end all the nations among whom I have scattered you; but you I will not bring to an end. I will chastise you as you deserve, I will not let you go unpunished.
Is Ephraim not my favored son, the child in whom I delight? Even though I threaten him, I must still remember him! My heart stirs for him, I must show him compassion!—oracle of the Lord.