1. At that time I will be the God of all the clans of Israeland they will be my people.I, the Lord, affirm it!”
2. The Lord says,“The people of Israel who survived death at the hands of the enemywill find favor in the wildernessas they journey to find rest for themselves.
3. In a far-off land the Lord will manifest himself to them.He will say to them, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love.That is why I have continued to be faithful to you.
4. I will rebuild you, my dear children Israel,so that you will once again be built up.Once again you will take up the tambourineand join in the happy throng of dancers.
5. Once again you will plant vineyardson the hills of Samaria.Those who plant themwill once again enjoy their fruit.
6. Yes, a time is comingwhen watchmen will call out on the mountains of Ephraim,“Come! Let us go to Zionto worship the Lord our God!”’”
7. Moreover, the Lord says,“Sing for joy for the descendants of Jacob.Utter glad shouts for that foremost of the nations.Make your praises heard. Then say, ‘Lord, rescue your people.Deliver those of Israel who remain alive.’
8. Then I will reply, ‘I will bring them back from the land of the north.I will gather them in from the distant parts of the earth.Blind and lame people will come with them,so will pregnant women and women about to give birth.A vast throng of people will come back here.
9. They will come back shedding tears of contrition.I will bring them back praying prayers of repentance.I will lead them besides streams of water,along smooth paths where they will never stumble.I will do this because I am Israel’s father;Ephraim is my firstborn son.’”
10. Hear what the Lord has to say, O nations.Proclaim it in the faraway lands along the sea.Say, “The one who scattered Israel will regather them.He will watch over his people like a shepherd watches over his flock.”