19 After I strayed,(A)
    I repented;
after I came to understand,
    I beat(B) my breast.
I was ashamed(C) and humiliated
    because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’(D)
20 Is not Ephraim my dear son,
    the child(E) in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him,
    I still remember(F) him.
Therefore my heart yearns for him;
    I have great compassion(G) for him,”
declares the Lord.

21 “Set up road signs;
    put up guideposts.(H)
Take note of the highway,(I)
    the road that you take.
Return,(J) Virgin(K) Israel,
    return to your towns.

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19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

20 Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord.

21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.

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