Hosea was told to love what had wandered, and his own

house became a sign to Israel.

With a promise on his tongue

But the streets kept calling softly

And the old song still was sung

She went after empty lovers

Chasing bread and oil and wine

But the gifts were from the giver

And the wound was not just mine

Jezreel cried from the valley

Mercy seemed to disappear

Not my people was the warning

Still the Lord was drawing near.

How can I give you up?

How can I let you go?

You broke the vow, but I still call you home.

I will tear and I will heal. I will wound and

bind the pain, come back to me Oh Israel,

come back through the rain She was

bought back from the market Not with anger, not

with pride He said, stay with me in

silence Leave the strangers' doors behind

So the Lord spoke through the sorrow You

have run to guards of stone But I taught your feet

to follow And I carried you as my own I desired

mercy from you Not the smoke of empty flame For your

love is like the morning gone Before the noonday came How

can I give you up?

How can I let you go?

You broke the vow But I still call you home

I will tear and I will heal I will wound and

bind the pain Come back to me Oh Israel

Come back through the rain.

Out of Egypt I called my son.

Out of chains I made you mine.

But you bowed beneath the high places and forgot the hand

divine.

Still I am God and not a man.

My mercy burns but does not break I will roar like

a lion And my children will awake How can I give

you up?

How can I let you go?

The fields will dry But my love will grow

I will heal your backsliding I will love you freely

again Come back to me Oh Israel Come

back through the rain Who is wise? Let him hear it

Who has ears? Let him know.

The ways of the Lord are righteous.

And the faithful walk the road.