1. The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:
2. “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.
3. For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it.”
4. These are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah:
5. “Thus says the Lord:We have heard a cry of panic,of terror, and no peace.
6. Ask now, and see,can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every manwith his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale?
7. Alas! That day is so great there is none like it;it is a time of distress for Jacob;yet he shall be saved out of it.
8. “And it shall come to pass in that day, declares the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him.
9. But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
10. “Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord,nor be dismayed, O Israel;for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,and none shall make him afraid.
11. For I am with you to save you,declares the Lord; I will make a full end of all the nationsamong whom I scattered you,but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure,and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
12. “For thus says the Lord: Your hurt is incurable, and your wound is grievous.
13. There is none to uphold your cause,no medicine for your wound, no healing for you.