GOD’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS PEOPLE

31 “At that time”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“I will be the God of all the families of Israel,g and they will be my people.”

2 This is what the Lord says:

The people who survived the sword

found favor in the wilderness.h

When Israel went to find rest,i

3 the Lord appeared to himA from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;j

therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.k

4 Again I will build you so that you will be rebuilt,

Virgin Israel.l

You will take up your tambourines againm

and go out in joyful dancing.

5 You will plant vineyards againn

on the mountains of Samaria;

the planters will plant and will enjoy the fruit.o

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,p

to the Lord our God!”