10. “So do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant;do not be dismayed, Israel,”says the lord.“For I will bring you home again from distant lands,and your children will return from their exile.Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet,and no one will terrorize them.
11. For I am with you and will save you,”says the lord.“I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will discipline you, but with justice;I cannot let you go unpunished.”
12. This is what the lord says:“Your injury is incurable—a terrible wound.
13. There is no one to help youor to bind up your injury.No medicine can heal you.
14. All your lovers—your allies—have left youand do not care about you anymore.I have wounded you cruelly,as though I were your enemy.For your sins are many,and your guilt is great.
15. Why do you protest your punishment—this wound that has no cure?I have had to punish youbecause your sins are manyand your guilt is great.
16. “But all who devour you will be devoured,and all your enemies will be sent into exile.All who plunder you will be plundered,and all who attack you will be attacked.
17. I will give you back your healthand heal your wounds,” says the lord.“For you are called an outcast—‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”