4. Once again I will build you up,and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel.Once again you will take your tambourines,and you will go dancing with happy people.
5. Once again you will plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria.Those who plant them will enjoy the fruit.
6. There will be a day when watchmen on the mountains of Ephraimwill call out this message:‘Arise! Let’s go to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ”
7. This is what the Lord says:Sing a happy song about Jacob.Sing joyfully for the leader of the nations.Shout, sing praise, and say,“O Lord, rescue your people, the remaining few from Israel.”
8. “I will bring them from the land of the north.I will gather them from the farthest parts of the earth.Blind people and lame people will returntogether with pregnant women and those in labor.A large crowd will return here.
9. They will cry as they return.They will pray as I bring them back.I will lead them beside streamson a level path where they will not stumble.I will be a Father to Israel,and Ephraim will be my firstborn.
10. “You nations, listen to the word of the Lord.Tell it to the distant islands.Say, ‘The one who scattered the people of Israel will gather themand watch over them as a shepherd watches over his flock.’
11. The Lord will free the descendants of Jacoband reclaim them from those who are stronger than they are.