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.