1. At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel,and they will be my people.
2. The Lord proclaims:The people who survived the swordfound grace in the wilderness.As Israel searched for a place of rest,
3. the Lord appeared to them from a distance:I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.And so with unfailing love,I have drawn you to myself.
4. Again, I will build you up,and you will be rebuilt, virgin Israel.Again, you will play your tambourinesand dance with joy.
5. Again, you will plant vineyardson the hills of Samaria;farmers will plant and then enjoy the harvests.
6. The time will come whenthe watchmen shout fromthe highlands of Ephraim:"Get ready! We’re going up to Zionto the Lord our God!"
7. The Lord proclaims:Sing joyfully for the people of Jacob;shout for the leading nation.Raise your voices with praise and call out:"The Lord has saved his people,the remaining few in Israel!"
8. I’m going to bring them back from the north;I will gather them from the ends of the earth.Among them will be the blind and the disabled,expectant mothers and those in labor;a great throng will return here.