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.