12. The people of Israel will come to the high points of Jerusalem.There they will shout for joy.Their faces will shine with happiness about all the good things from the Lord:the grain, new wine, oil, young sheep and cows.They will be like a garden that has plenty of water.And the people of Israel will not be troubled anymore.
13. Then young women of Israel will be happy and dance.The young men and old men will also dance.I will change their sadness into happiness.I will give them comfort and joy instead of sadness.
14. The priests will have more than enough sacrifices.And my people will be filled with the good things I give them!” says the Lord.
15. This is what the Lord says:“A sound was heard in Ramah.It was painful crying and much sadness.Rachel cries for her children.And she cannot be comforted,because her children are dead!”
16. But this is what the Lord says:“Stop crying.Don’t let your eyes fill with tears.You will be rewarded for your work!” says the Lord.“The people will come back from their enemy’s land.
17. So there is hope for you!” says the Lord.“Your children will come back to their own land.
18. “I have heard Israel moaning:‘Lord, you punished me, and I have learned my lesson.I was like a calf that had never been trained.Take me back, and I will come back.You truly are the Lord my God.
19. Lord, I wandered away from you.But I changed my heart and life.Once I understood,I beat my breast with sorrow.I am ashamed and disgracedbecause of the foolish things I did when I was young.’
20. “You know that Israel is my dear son.I love that child.Yes, I often speak against Israel,but I still remember him.I love him very much.And I want to comfort him,” says the Lord.
21. “People of Israel, fix the road signs.Put up the signs that show you the way home.Watch the road.Pay attention to the road on which you travel.People of Israel, come home.Come back to your towns.
22. You are an unfaithful daughter.How long will you wander before you come home?The Lord will make something new happen in the land:A woman will go seeking a man.”