1. Take words and return to the Lord (1-3)

When we return to the Lord after sinning, God wants us to confess our sins with our mouth as the fruit of a repentant heart. We need to admit that earthly things cannot save us, just as Ephraim had to repent of trusting in idols and the Assyrian Empire.

2. God's healing comes (4-9)

God promises to heal his people of their sinfulness himself, with no restrictions on the outpouring of his grace. He ultimately accomplished this through Jesus' cross. When we are opened to the dew of God's grace, he nourishes us spiritually so we can grow. We put down roots in his word, then send up shoots, and finally produce good fruits. Then we and our nation can be a source of blessing, like a vine with abundant fruit or a spreading tree that can provide shade to many. We must acknowledge that all our fruitfulness comes from the Lord.