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?