3. The Lord appeared to me in a faraway place and said,“I love you with an everlasting love.So I will continue to show you my kindness.
4. Once again I will build you up,and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel.Once again you will take your tambourines,and you will go dancing with happy people.
5. Once again you will plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria.Those who plant them will enjoy the fruit.
6. There will be a day when watchmen on the mountains of Ephraimwill call out this message:‘Arise! Let’s go to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ”
7. This is what the Lord says:Sing a happy song about Jacob.Sing joyfully for the leader of the nations.Shout, sing praise, and say,“O Lord, rescue your people, the remaining few from Israel.”
8. “I will bring them from the land of the north.I will gather them from the farthest parts of the earth.Blind people and lame people will returntogether with pregnant women and those in labor.A large crowd will return here.
9. They will cry as they return.They will pray as I bring them back.I will lead them beside streamson a level path where they will not stumble.I will be a Father to Israel,and Ephraim will be my firstborn.
10. “You nations, listen to the word of the Lord.Tell it to the distant islands.Say, ‘The one who scattered the people of Israel will gather themand watch over them as a shepherd watches over his flock.’
11. The Lord will free the descendants of Jacoband reclaim them from those who are stronger than they are.
12. They will come and shout for joy on top of Mount Zion.They will stream to it to enjoy the Lord’s blessings:fresh grain, new wine, and olive oil, lambs and calves.Their lives will be like well-watered gardens,and they will never suffer again.
13. Then young women will rejoice and dancealong with young men and old men.I will turn their mourning into joy.I will comfort them.I will give them joy in place of their sorrow.
14. I will satisfy the priests with rich food.My people will be filled with my blessings,” declares the Lord.
15. This is what the Lord says:A sound is heard in Ramah,the sound of crying in bitter grief.Rachel is crying for her children.She refuses to be comforted,because they are dead.
16. This is what the Lord says:Stop your crying, and wipe away your tears.You will be rewarded for your work, declares the Lord.You will return from the land of the enemy.