1-2. The Lord God of Israel said, “Jeremiah, get a scroll and write down everything I have told you.
3. Some day I will let my people from both Israel and Judah return to the land I gave their ancestors.”
4-5. Then the Lord told me to say to Israel and Judah:I, the Lord, hear screamsof terror,and there is no peace.
6. Can men give birth?Then why do I see themlooking so paleand clutching their stomachslike women in labour?
7. My people, soon you will sufferworse than ever before,but I will save you.
8. Now you are slavesof other nations,but I will break the chainsand smash the yokesthat keep you in slavery.
9. Then you will be my servants,and I will choose a king for youfrom the family of David.
10-11. Israel, you belong to me,so don't be afraid.You deserved to be punished;that's why I scattered youin distant nations.But I am with you,and some day I will destroythose nations.Then I will bring youand your descendantsback to your land,where I will protect youand give you peace.Then your fears will be gone.I, the Lord, have spoken.
12. The Lord said:My people, you are woundedand near death.
13. You are accused of a crimewith no one to defend you,and you are covered with soresthat no medicine can cure.
14-15. Your friends have forgotten you;they don't care any more.Even I have acted like an enemy.And because your sinsare horrible and countless,I will be cruelas I punish you.So don't bother to cry outfor relief from your pain.
16. But if your enemies try to robor destroy you,I will rob and destroy them,and they will be led as captivesto foreign lands.
17. No one wants you as a friendor cares what happens to you.But I will heal your injuries,and you will get well.
18. The Lord said:Israel, I will be kind to youand let you come home.Jerusalem now lies in ruins,but you will rebuild it,complete with a new palace.
19. Other nations will respectand honour you.Your homes will be filledwith children,and you will celebrate,singing praises to me.
20. It will be just like old times.Your nation will worship me,and I will punish anyonewho abuses you.
21. One of your own peoplewill become your ruler.And when I invite himto come near meat the place of worship,he will do so.No one would dare to come nearwithout being invited.
22. You will be my people,and I will be your God.I, the Lord, have spoken.
23. I am furious!And like a violent stormI will strike thosewho do wrong.
24. I won't calm downuntil I have finishedwhat I have decided to do.Some day, you will understandwhat I mean.