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.
14. All your lovers have forgotten you;they care nothing for you;for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy,the punishment of a merciless foe,because your guilt is great, because your sins are flagrant.
15. Why do you cry out over your hurt? Your pain is incurable.Because your guilt is great, because your sins are flagrant,I have done these things to you.