14. But the people of Jerusalem said,“The Lord has abandoned us!He has forgotten us.”
15. So the Lord answers,“Can a woman forget her own babyand not love the child she bore?Even if a mother should forget her child,I will never forget you.
16. Jerusalem, I can never forget you!I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
17. “Those who will rebuild you are coming soon,and those who destroyed you will leave.
18. Look around and see what is happening!Your people are assembling — they are coming home!As surely as I am the living God,you will be proud of your people,as proud as a bride is of her jewels.
19. “Your country was ruined and desolate —but now it will be too smallfor those who are coming to live there.And those who left you in ruinswill be far removed from you.