12. Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion,they shall come streaming to the Lord’s blessings:The grain, the wine, and the oil,flocks of sheep and cattle;They themselves shall be like watered gardens,never again neglected.
13. Then young women shall make merry and dance,young men and old as well.I will turn their mourning into joy,I will show them compassion and have them rejoice after their sorrows.
14. I will lavish choice portions on the priests,and my people shall be filled with my blessings—oracle of the Lord.
15. Thus says the Lord:In Ramah is heard the sound of sobbing,bitter weeping!Rachel mourns for her children,she refuses to be consoledfor her children—they are no more!
16. Thus says the Lord:Cease your cries of weeping,hold back your tears!There is compensation for your labor—oracle of the Lord—they shall return from the enemy’s land.
17. There is hope for your future—oracle of the Lord—your children shall return to their own territory.
18. Indeed, I heard Ephraim rocking in grief:You chastised me, and I was chastised;I was like an untamed calf.Bring me back, let me come back,for you are the Lord, my God.