3. For the time is coming when I will restore the fortunes of my people of Israel and Judah. I will bring them home to this land that I gave to their ancestors, and they will possess it again. I, the lord, have spoken!”
4. This is the message the lord gave concerning Israel and Judah.
5. This is what the lord says:“I hear cries of fear;there is terror and no peace.
6. Now let me ask you a question:Do men give birth to babies?Then why do they stand there, ashen-faced,hands pressed against their sideslike a woman in labor?
7. In all history there has never been such a time of terror.It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel.Yet in the end they will be saved!
8. For in that day,”says the lord of Heaven’s Armies,“I will break the yoke from their necksand snap their chains.Foreigners will no longer be their masters.
9. For my people will serve the lord their Godand their king descended from David—the king I will raise up for them.
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.’”