15. This is what the lord says: “A cry is heard in Ramah—deep anguish and bitter weeping.Rachel weeps for her children,refusing to be comforted—for her children are gone.”
16. But now this is what the lord says:“Do not weep any longer,for I will reward you,” says the lord.“Your children will come back to youfrom the distant land of the enemy.
17. There is hope for your future,” says the lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.
18. I have heard Israel saying,‘You disciplined me severely,like a calf that needs training for the yoke.Turn me again to you and restore me,for you alone are the lord my God.
19. I turned away from God,but then I was sorry.I kicked myself for my stupidity!I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’