RESTORATION FROM CAPTIVITY

30 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord. 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Write on a scroll all the words that I have spoken to you,a 3 for look, the days are coming”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“when I will restore the fortunesA of my people Israel and Judah,”b says the Lord. “I will restore them to the land I gave to their ancestors and they will possess it.”

4 These are the words the Lord spoke to Israel and Judah. 5 This is what the Lord says:

We have heard a cry of terror,

of dread—there is no peace.

6 Ask and see

whether a male can give birth.

Why then do I see every man

with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor

and every face turned pale?c

7 How awful that day will be!d

There will be no other like it!e

It will be a time of trouble for Jacob,

but he will be saved out of it.

8 On that day—this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies—

I will break his yoke from your neckf

and tear off your chains,g

and strangers will never again enslave him.h

9 They will serve the Lord their God

and David their king,

whom I will raise up for them.i

10 As for you, my servant Jacob,j

do not be afraid—this is the Lord’s declaration—

and do not be discouraged, Israel,

for without fail I will save you out of a distant place,

your descendants, from the land of their captivity!

Jacob will return and have calm and quiet

with no one to frighten him.k