LAMENT TURNED TO JOY

15 This is what the Lord says:

A voice was heard in Ramah,c

a lament with bitter weeping—

Rachel weeping for her children,

refusing to be comforted for her children

because they are no more.d

16 This is what the Lord says:

Keep your voice from weeping

and your eyes from tears,

for the reward for your work will come—

this is the Lord’s declaration—

and your children will return from the enemy’s land.

17 There is hope for your futuree—

this is the Lord’s declaration—

and your children will return to their own territory.

18 I have surely heard Ephraim moaning,

“You disciplined me, and I have been disciplined

like an untrained calf.f

Take me back, so that I can return,

for you, Lord, are my God.g

19 After my return, I felt regret;

After I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief.h

I was ashamed and humiliatedi

because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”

20 Isn’t Ephraim a precious son to me,

a delightful child?j

Whenever I speak against him,

I certainly still think about him.

Therefore, my inner being yearns for him;

I will truly have compassion on him.k

This is the Lord’s declaration.

REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION

21 Set up road markersl for yourself;

establish signposts!

Keep the highway in mind,

the way you have traveled.

Return, Virgin Israel!

Return to these cities of yours.

22 How long will you turn here and there,

faithless daughter?m

For the Lord creates something new in the landB—

a femaleC will shelterD a man.

23 This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore their fortunes,E they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the Lord bless you, righteous settlement,n holy mountain.’o 24 Judah and all its cities will live in it together—also farmers and those who moveF with the flocks—25 for I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.”p