11. I will set the people of Jacob free. I will save them from those who are stronger than they are.
12. They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion. They will be joyful because of everything I give them. I give them grain, olive oil and fresh wine. I give them the young animals in their flocks and herds. Israel will be like a garden that has plenty of water. And they will not be sad anymore.
13. Then young women will dance and be glad. And so will the men, young and old alike. I will turn their sobbing into gladness. I will comfort them. And I will give them joy instead of sorrow.
14. I will satisfy the priests. I will give them more than enough. And my people will be filled with the good things I give them," announces the Lord.
15. The Lord says, "A voice is heard in Ramah. It is the sound of crying and deep sadness. Rachel is crying over her children. She refuses to be comforted, because they are gone."
16. The Lord says, "Do not sob anymore. Do not let tears fall from your eyes. I will reward you for your work," announces the Lord. "Your children will return from the land of the enemy.
17. So I am giving you hope for the years to come," announces the Lord. "Your children will return to their own land.
18. "I have heard the groans of Ephraim's people. They say, 'You corrected us like a calf you were training. And we have been trained. Bring us back to you, and we will come back. You are the Lord our God.
19. After we wandered away from you, we turned away from our sins. After we learned our lesson, we beat our chests in sorrow. We were full of shame. What we did when we were young brought dishonor on us.'
20. Aren't the people of Ephraim my dear children? Aren't they the children I take delight in? I often speak against them. But I still remember them. So my heart longs for them. I love them with a tender love," announces the Lord.
21. The Lord says, "Put up road signs. Set up stones to show the way. Look carefully for the highway. Look for the road you will take. Return, people of Israel. Return to your towns.
22. How long will you wander, you people who are not faithful to me? I will create a new thing on earth. A woman will guard a man."
23. The Lord who rules over all is the God of Israel. He says, "I will bring them back from the place where they were taken. The people in Judah and its towns will say once again, 'Holy temple in Jerusalem, may the Lord bless you. Sacred mountain, may he bless you.'
24. "People will live together in Judah and all of its towns. Farmers and shepherds will live there.
25. I will give rest to those who are tired. I will satisfy those who are weak."
26. When I heard that, I woke up and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant.