3. The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:‘I have loved you with an everlasting love;I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
4. I will build you up again,and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.Again you will take up your tambourinesand go out to dance with the joyful.
5. Again you will plant vineyardson the hills of Samaria;the farmers will plant themand enjoy their fruit.
6. There will be a day when watchmen cry outon the hills of Ephraim,“Come, let us go up to Zion,to the Lord our God.” ’
7. This is what the Lord says:‘Sing with joy for Jacob;shout for the foremost of the nations.Make your praises heard, and say,“Lord, save your people,the remnant of Israel.”
8. See, I will bring them from the land of the northand gather them from the ends of the earth.Among them will be the blind and the lame,expectant mothers and women in labour;a great throng will return.
9. They will come with weeping;they will pray as I bring them back.I will lead them beside streams of wateron a level path where they will not stumble,because I am Israel’s father,and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10. ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you nations;proclaim it in distant coastlands:“He who scattered Israel will gather themand will watch over his flock like a shepherd.”
11. For the Lord will deliver Jacoband redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord –the grain, the new wine and the olive oil,the young of the flocks and herds.They will be like a well-watered garden,and they will sorrow no more.
13. Then young women will dance and be glad,young men and old as well.I will turn their mourning into gladness;I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.