2. This is what the Lord says:They found favor in the wilderness —the people who survived the sword.When Israel went to find rest,
3. the Lord appeared to him from far away.I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.
4. Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt,Virgin Israel. You will take up your tambourines again and go out in joyful dancing.
5. You will plant vineyards again on the mountains of Samaria;the planters will plant and will enjoy the fruit.
6. For there will be a day when watchmen will call outin the hill country of Ephraim,“Get up, let’s go up to Zion, to Yahweh our God! ”
7. For this is what the Lord says:Sing with joy for Jacob;shout for the chief of the nations!Proclaim, praise, and say,“Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel! ”
8. Watch! I am going to bring them from the northern land.I will gather them from remote regions of the earth —the blind and the lame will be with them, along with those who are pregnant and those about to give birth.They will return here as a great assembly!