4 In those days and at that time—

this is the Lord’s declaration—

the Israelites and Judeans will come together,i

weeping as they come,

and will seek the Lord their God.j

5 They will ask about Zion,

turning their faces to this road.

They will come and join themselvesC to the Lord

in a permanent covenantk that will never be forgotten.

6 My people were lost sheep;l

their shepherds led them astray,m

guiding them the wrong way in the mountains.n

They wandered from mountain to hill;

they forgot their resting place.

7 Whoever found them devoured them.

Their adversaries said, “We’re not guilty;

instead, they have sinned against the Lord,

their righteous grazing land,o

the hope of their ancestors,p the Lord.”

8 Escape from Babylon;q

depart from the Chaldeans’ land.

Be like the rams that lead the flock.

9 For I will soon stir up and bring against Babylonr

an assembly of great nations from the north country.

They will line up in battle formation against her;s

from there she will be captured.

Their arrows will be like a skilledD warrior

who does not return empty-handed.