4. You are precious to me,and so I will rebuildyour nation.Once again you will dance for joyand play your tambourines.
5. You will plant vineyardson the hills of Samariaand enjoy the grapes.
6. Some day those who guardthe hill country of Ephraimwill shout, “Let's go to Zionand worship the Lord our God.”
7. The Lord says:Celebrate and sing for Israel,the greatest of nations.Offer praises and shout,“Come and rescueyour people, Lord!Save what's left of Israel.”
8. I, the Lord, will bringmy people back from Babyloniaand everywhere else on earth.The blind and the lamewill be there.Expectant mothersand women about to give birthwill come and be partof that great crowd.
9. They will weep and prayas I bring them home.I will lead themto streams of water.They will walk on a level roadand not stumble.I am a father to Israel,my favourite children.
10. Listen to me, you nationsnearby or across the sea.I scattered the people of Israel,but I will gather them again.I will protect them like a shepherdguarding a flock;
11. I will rescue them from enemieswho could overpower them.
12. My people will cometo Mount Zionand celebrate;their faces will glowbecause of my blessings.I'll give them grain, grapes,and olive oil,as well as sheep and cattle.Israel will be prosperousand grow like a gardenwith plenty of water.
13. Young women and young men,together with the elderly,will celebrate and dance,because I will comfort themand turn their sorrowinto happiness.
14. I will bless my peoplewith more foodthan they need,and the priests will enjoythe choice cuts of meat.I, the Lord, have spoken.
15. In Ramah a voice is heard,crying and weeping loudly.Rachel mourns for her childrenand refuses to be comforted,because they are dead.
16-17. But I, the Lord, tell youto dry your tears.Some day your childrenwill come homefrom the enemy's land.Then all you have done for themwill be greatly rewarded.So don't lose hope.I, the Lord, have spoken.
18. The people of Israel moanand say to me,“We were like wild bulls,but you, Lord, broke us,and we learnt to obey.You are our God—please let us come home.
19. When we were young,we strayed and sinned,but then we realizedwhat we had done.We are ashamed and disgracedand want to return to you.”
20. People of Israel,you are my own dear children.Don't I love you best of all?Though I often make threats,I want you to be near me,so I will have mercy on you.I, the Lord, have spoken.
21. With rock piles and signposts,mark the way home,my dear people.It is the same roadby which you left.
22. Will you ever decideto be faithful?I will make sure that some daythings will be different,as different as a womanprotecting a man.