2. This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Write down on a scroll all the words that I have spoken to you,
3. for the days are certainly coming” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah” — the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore them to the land I gave to their ancestors and they will possess it.”
4. These are the words the Lord spoke to Israel and Judah.
5. Yes, this is what the Lord says:We have heard a cry of terror,of dread — there is no peace.
6. Ask and seewhether a male can give birth.Why then do I see every manwith his hands on his stomach like a woman in laborand every face turned pale?
7. How awful that day will be! There will be none like it! It will be a time of trouble for Jacob,but he will be delivered out of it.
8. “On that day” — this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts — “I will break his yoke from your neck and tear off your chains so strangers will never again enslave him.
9. They will serve the Lord their God and I will raise up David their king for them.”
10. As for you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid —this is the Lord’s declaration —and do not be dismayed, Israel,for without fail I will save you from far away,your descendants, from the land of their captivity!Jacob will return and have calm and quietwith no one to frighten him.
11. For I will be with you —this is the Lord’s declaration —to save you! I will bring destruction on all the nationswhere I have scattered you;however, I will not bring destruction on you.I will discipline you justly,and I will by no means leave you unpunished.
12. For this is what the Lord says:Your injury is incurable;your wound most severe.
13. No one takes up the case for your sores. There is no healing for you.
14. All your lovers have forgotten you; they no longer look for you,for I have struck you as an enemy would,with the discipline of someone cruel, because of your enormous guiltand your innumerable sins.
15. Why do you cry out about your injury?Your pain has no cure!I have done these things to youbecause of your enormous guiltand your innumerable sins.
16. Nevertheless, all who devoured you will be devoured, and all your adversaries — all of them —will go off into exile.Those who plunder you will be plundered,and all who raid you will be raided.
17. But I will bring you health and will heal you of your wounds —this is the Lord’s declaration —for they call you Outcast,Zion whom no one cares about.