Jeremiah 31:1-9 ▼

1 “At that time”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“I will 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 wilderness. When Israel went to find rest,

3 the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.

4 Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt, Virgin Israel. You will take up your tambourines again and go out in joyful dancing.

5 You will plant vineyards again on the mountains of Samaria; the planters will plant and will enjoy the fruit.

6 For there will be a day when watchmen will call out in the hill country of Ephraim, “Come, let’s go up to Zion, to the LORD our God! ”

7 For this is what the LORD says: Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations! Proclaim, praise, and say, “LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel! ”

8 Watch! I am going to bring them from the northern land. I will gather them from remote regions of the earth — the blind and the lame will be with them, along with those who are pregnant and those about to give birth. They will return here as a great assembly!

9 They will come weeping, but I will bring them back with consolation. I will lead them to wadis filled with water, by a smooth way where they will not stumble, for I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is my firstborn.