1. This is what the Lord said, “At that time I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel. And they will be my people.”
2. This is what the Lord says: “The people who escaped the enemy’s sword will find comfort in the desert. Israel will go there looking for rest.”
3. From far away, the Lord will appear to his people. The Lord says, “I love you people with a love that continues forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness.
4. Israel, my bride, I will rebuild you. You will be a country again. You will pick up your tambourines again. You will dance with all the other people who are having fun.
5. You farmers of Israel will plant vineyards again. You will plant the vineyards on the hills around the city of Samaria. The farmers will enjoy the fruit from the vineyards.
6. There will be a time when watchmen shout this message: ‘Come, let’s go up to Zion to worship the Lord our God!’ Even the watchmen in the hill country of Ephraim will shout that message.”
7. This is what the Lord says: “Be happy and sing for Jacob! Shout for Israel, the greatest of the nations! Sing your praises and shout: ‘Lord, save your people! Save those who are left alive from the nation of Israel.’
8. Remember, I will bring Israel from that country in the north. I will gather the people of Israel from the faraway places on earth. Some of the people will be blind and crippled. Some of the women will be pregnant and ready to give birth. But many people will come back.
9. They will come back crying, but I will lead them and comfort them. I will lead them by streams of water. I will lead them on an easy road, where they will not stumble. I will lead them in that way because I am Israel’s father. And Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10. “Nations, listen to this message from the Lord! Tell this message in the faraway lands by the sea: ‘God scattered the people of Israel, but he will bring them back together. And he will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
11. The Lord will bring Jacob back. He will save his people from those who are stronger.
12. The people of Israel will come to the top of Zion, and they will shout with joy. Their faces will shine with happiness about the good things the Lord gives them. He will give them grain, new wine, olive oil, young sheep and cattle. They will be like a garden that has plenty of water. And the people of Israel will not be troubled anymore.
13. Then the young women of Israel will be happy and dance. And the men, young and old, will join in the dancing. I will change their sadness into happiness. I will comfort my people, making them happy instead of sad.
14. I will give the priests plenty of food. And my people will be filled and satisfied with the good things I give them.” This message is from the Lord.