Jeremiah 31:1-13 ▼

1 |At that time,| declares the LORD, |I'll be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.|

2 This is what the LORD says: |The people who survived the sword, found favor in the desert while Israel was seeking rest.

3 The LORD appeared to Israel from far away and said, |I've loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I've drawn you with gracious love.

4 I'll again build you, and you will be rebuilt, Virgin Israel! You will again take up your tambourines and go out to dance with those who are filled with joy.

5 You will again plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria where planters had planted and defiled the fruit.

6 For there will be a day when the watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, 'Arise, let's go up to Zion to the LORD our God.'|

7 For this is what the LORD says: |Cry out with joy for Jacob and shout for the chief among the nations. Announce, give praise, and say, 'Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.'

8 Look, I'm bringing them from the northern region, and I'll gather them from the farthest parts of the earth. among them will be the blind and the lame, together with the pregnant woman and the woman in labor. A large group will return here.

9 They'll come crying, and I'll lead them as they pray for mercy. I'll make them walk by streams of water, along a straight path on which they won't stumble. For I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn.|

10 Nations, listen to this message from the LORD, and declare it in the distant coastlands. Say, |The one who scattered Israel will gather him and keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.|

11 For the LORD will deliver Jacob and redeem him from the hand of one stronger than he.

12 They'll come and cry out with joy on the heights of Zion. They'll be radiant over the LORD's goodness, over the grain, the new wine, the fresh oil, and over the young of the flocks and herds. Their lives will be like a well-watered garden. They'll never again grow faint.

13 The virgins will rejoice with dancing, together with young men and old men. For I'll turn their mourning into joy, and I'll comfort them and give them gladness instead of sorrow.