Jeremiah 31:1-14

“At that time,” YAHWEH declares, “I will be the true God of every family of Israel, and they will be my very own people.” YAHWEH says: “My people who survived the slaughter and the sword found grace in their difficult wilderness. I am bringing Israel to her rest.” YAHWEH appeared to me from another realm and said, “I have deeply loved you with a forever-love; that is why I have been so patient and kind to draw you to my heart. You are precious to me, and I will build you up again. Yes, Israel, you will be rebuilt! Once more, you will be decked out in your best attire, take up your tambourines, and go out dancing with great joy. Once more you will plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria, and those who plant them will enjoy the fruit. Yes, there will be a day when the watchmen cry out on the mountains of Samaria, ‘Come on! Let’s go up to Zion to meet with YAHWEH our God and worship him!’ ” For YAHWEH says: “Sing with joyous delight for Israel! Yes, shout out praise for the foremost of the nations. ‘YAHWEH, save your people, the remnant of Israel. Proclaim the news! Praise him! Shout it out!’ Watch, as I bring them back from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Even the blind and the lame will be among them. Expectant mothers, women about to give birth, will come and be a part of that great homecoming. They will return praying with tears as I lead them home. I will guide them to streams of water, by a smooth path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. “Listen, nations, to the word of YAHWEH. Proclaim it on the distant coastlands, saying, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him. Like a shepherd guards his flock, YAHWEH watches over his people.’ For YAHWEH has ransomed the people of Israel and rescued them from an enemy stronger than themselves. They will come, singing for joy on the heights of Zion, and the goodness of YAHWEH will make them radiant. YAHWEH will bless them with grain, new wine, olive oil, flocks, and herds. They will be prosperous and grow like a well-watered garden, with no reason to be discouraged. The young girls, the young men, and the elderly will dance and celebrate together. I will turn their sad memories into gladness. I will give them joy after all their trouble and will be their comfort.” YAHWEH says, “I will refresh the desire of my priests with abundance and lavish gifts on my people until they are more than satisfied.”