Jeremiah 31:1-26

The LORD says, “At that time I will be God of all Israel’s family groups, and they will be my people.” This is what the LORD says: “The people who were not killed by the enemy’s sword found help in the desert. I came to give rest to Israel.” And from far away the LORD appeared to his people and said, “I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness. People of Israel, I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt. You will pick up your tambourines again and dance with those who are joyful. You will plant vineyards again on the hills around Samaria. The farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. There will be a time when watchmen in the mountains of Ephraim shout this message: ‘Come, let’s go up to Jerusalem to worship the LORD our God!’ ” This is what the LORD says: “Be happy and sing for the people of Jacob. Shout for Israel, the greatest of the nations. Sing your praises and shout this: ‘LORD, save your people, those who are left alive from the nation of Israel!’ Look, I will soon bring Israel from the country in the north, and I will gather them from the faraway places on earth. Some of the people are blind and crippled. Some of the women are pregnant, and some are ready to give birth. A great many people will come back. They will be crying as they come, but they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead those people by streams of water on an even road where they will not stumble. I am Israel’s father, and Israel is my firstborn son. “Nations, listen to the message from the LORD. Tell this message in the faraway lands by the sea: ‘The one who scattered the people of Israel will bring them back, and he will watch over his people like a shepherd.’ The LORD will pay for the people of Jacob and will buy them back from people stronger than they were. The people of Israel will come to the high points of Jerusalem and shout for joy. Their faces will shine with happiness about all the good things from the LORD: the grain, new wine, oil, young sheep, and young cows. They will be like a garden that has plenty of water, and they will not be troubled anymore. Then young women of Israel will be happy and dance, the young men and old men also. I will change their sadness into happiness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sadness. The priests will have more than enough sacrifices, and my people will be filled with the good things I give them!” says the LORD. This is what the LORD says: “A voice was heard in Ramah of painful crying and deep sadness: Rachel crying for her children. She refused to be comforted, because her children are dead!” But this is what the LORD says: “Stop crying; don’t let your eyes fill with tears. You will be rewarded for your work!” says the LORD. “The people will return from their enemy’s land. So there is hope for you in the future,” says the LORD. “Your children will return to their own land. “I have heard Israel moaning: ‘LORD, you punished me, and I have learned my lesson. I was like a calf that had never been trained. Take me back so that I may come back. You truly are the LORD my God. LORD, after I wandered away from you, I changed my heart and life. After I understood, I beat my breast with sorrow. I was ashamed and disgraced, because I suffered for the foolish things I did when I was young.’ “You know that Israel is my dear son, The child I love. Yes, I often speak against Israel, but I still remember him. I love him very much, and I want to comfort him,” says the LORD. “People of Israel, fix the road signs. Put up signs to show you the way home. Watch the road. Pay attention to the road on which you travel. People of Israel, come home, come back to your towns. You are an unfaithful daughter. How long will you wander before you come home? The LORD has made something new happen in the land: A woman will go seeking a man.” The LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel, says: “I will again do good things for the people of Judah. At that time the people in the land of Judah and its towns will again use these words: ‘May the LORD bless you, home of what is good, holy mountain.’ People in all the towns of Judah will live together in peace. Farmers and those who move around with their flocks will live together in peace. I will give rest and strength to those who are weak and tired.” After hearing that, I, Jeremiah, woke up and looked around. My sleep had been very pleasant.