1. The Lord says, “At that time I will be God of all Israel’s family groups, and they will be my people.”
2. This is what the Lord says:“The people who were not killed by the enemy’s swordfound help in the desert.I came to give rest to Israel.”
3. And from far away the Lord appeared to his people and said,“I love you peoplewith a love that will last forever.That is why I have continuedshowing you kindness.
4. People of Israel, I will build you up again,and you will be rebuilt.You will pick up your tambourines againand dance with those who are joyful.
5. You will plant vineyards againon the hills around Samaria.The farmers will plant themand enjoy their fruit.
6. There will be a time when watchmen in the mountains of Ephraim shout this message:‘Come, let’s go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord our God!’ ”
7. This is what the Lord says:“Be happy and sing for the people of Jacob.Shout for Israel, the greatest of the nations.Sing your praises and shout this:‘Lord, save your people,those who are left alive from the nation of Israel!’
8. Look, I will soon bring Israel from the country in the north,and I will gather them from the faraway places on earth.Some of the people are blind and crippled.Some of the women are pregnant, and some are ready to give birth.A great many people will come back.
9. They will be crying as they come,but they will pray as I bring them back.I will lead those people by streams of wateron an even road where they will not stumble.I am Israel’s father,and Israel is my firstborn son.
10. “Nations, listen to the message from the Lord.Tell this message in the faraway lands by the sea:‘The one who scattered the people of Israel will bring them back,and he will watch over his people like a shepherd.’
11. The Lord will pay for the people of Jacoband will buy them back from people stronger than they were.
12. The people of Israel will come to the high points of Jerusalemand shout for joy.Their faces will shine with happiness about all the good things from the Lord:the grain, new wine, oil, young sheep, and young cows.They will be like a garden that has plenty of water,and they will not be troubled anymore.
13. Then young women of Israel will be happy and dance,the young men and old men also.I will change their sadness into happiness;I will give them comfort and joy instead of sadness.
14. The priests will have more than enough sacrifices,and my people will be filled with the good things I give them!” says the Lord.
15. This is what the Lord says:“A voice was heard in Ramahof painful crying and deep sadness:Rachel crying for her children.She refused to be comforted,because her children are dead!”