1. The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they will be my people.
2. In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest,
3. I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love.
4. Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully.
5. Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce.
6. Yes, the time is coming when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Let's go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ”
7. The Lord says,“Sing with joy for Israel,the greatest of the nations.Sing your song of praise,‘The Lord has saved his… his; Hebrew Lord, save your. people;he has rescued all who are left.’
8. I will bring them from the northand gather them from the ends of the earth.The blind and the lame will come with them,pregnant women and those about to give birth.They will come back a great nation.
9. My people will return weeping,praying as I lead them back.I will guide them to streams of water,on a smooth road where they will not stumble.I am like a father to Israel,and Ephraim is my eldest son.”
10. The Lord says,“Nations, listen to me,and proclaim my words on the far-off shores.I scattered my people, but I will gather themand guard them as a shepherd guards his flock.
11. I have set Israel's people freeand have saved them from a mighty nation.