¹⁹ After my return, I felt regret;
After I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief.^(A)
I was ashamed and humiliated^(B)
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”
²⁰ Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to me,
a delightful child?^(C)
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.^(D)
This is the Lord’s declaration.

²¹ Set up road markers^(E) for yourself;
establish signposts!
Keep the highway in mind,
the way you have traveled.
Return, Virgin Israel!
Return to these cities of yours.