Jeremiah 31:1-9 ▼

1 |At that time,| declares the LORD, |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 wars have found favor in the desert. Israel went to find its rest.

3 The LORD appeared to me in a faraway place and said, |I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness.

4 Once again I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel. Once again you will take your tambourines, and you will go dancing with happy people.

5 Once again you will plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria. Those who plant them will enjoy the fruit.

6 There will be a day when watchmen on the mountains of Ephraim will call out this message: 'Arise! Let's go to Zion, to the LORD our God.'|

7 This is what the LORD says: Sing a happy song about Jacob. Sing joyfully for the leader of the nations. Shout, sing praise, and say, |O LORD, rescue your people, the remaining few from Israel.|

8 |I will bring them from the land of the north. I will gather them from the farthest parts of the earth. Blind people and lame people will return together with pregnant women and those in labor. A large crowd will return here.

9 They will cry as they return. They will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams on a level path where they will not stumble. I will be a Father to Israel, and Ephraim will be my firstborn.