²⁰ Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to me,
a delightful child?^(A)
Whenever I speak against him,
I certainly still think about him.
Therefore, my inner being yearns for him;
I will truly have compassion on him.^(B)
This is the Lord’s declaration.

²¹ Set up road markers^(C) for yourself;
establish signposts!
Keep the highway in mind,
the way you have traveled.
Return, Virgin Israel!
Return to these cities of yours.
²² How long will you turn here and there,
faithless daughter?^(D)
For the Lord creates something new in the land^[a]—
a female^[b] will shelter^[c] a man.