10. Listen to me, you nationsnearby or across the sea.I scattered the people of Israel,but I will gather them again.I will protect them like a shepherdguarding a flock;
11. I will rescue them from enemieswho could overpower them.
12. My people will cometo Mount Zionand celebrate;their faces will glowbecause of my blessings.I'll give them grain, grapes,and olive oil,as well as sheep and cattle.Israel will be prosperousand grow like a gardenwith plenty of water.
13. Young women and young men,together with the elderly,will celebrate and dance,because I will comfort themand turn their sorrowinto happiness.
14. I will bless my peoplewith more foodthan they need,and the priests will enjoythe choice cuts of meat.I, the Lord, have spoken.
15. In Ramah a voice is heard,crying and weeping loudly.Rachel mourns for her childrenand refuses to be comforted,because they are dead.
16-17. But I, the Lord, tell youto dry your tears.Some day your childrenwill come homefrom the enemy's land.Then all you have done for themwill be greatly rewarded.So don't lose hope.I, the Lord, have spoken.
18. The people of Israel moanand say to me,“We were like wild bulls,but you, Lord, broke us,and we learnt to obey.You are our God—please let us come home.
19. When we were young,we strayed and sinned,but then we realizedwhat we had done.We are ashamed and disgracedand want to return to you.”
20. People of Israel,you are my own dear children.Don't I love you best of all?Though I often make threats,I want you to be near me,so I will have mercy on you.I, the Lord, have spoken.
21. With rock piles and signposts,mark the way home,my dear people.It is the same roadby which you left.