1. The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,
2. "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.
3. For behold, days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.' The Lord says, 'I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it.'"
4. Now these are the words which the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah:
5. "For thus says the Lord, 'I have heard a sound of terror, Of dread, and there is no peace.
6. 'Ask now, and see If a male can give birth. Why do I see every man With his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale?