Jeremiah 31:1–14

Israel’s Return Home

31The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will be the God of all the tribes of Israel, and they will be my people. ²In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest, ³I appeared to themⁿ from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. ⁴Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully. ⁵Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce. ⁶Yes, the time is coming when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Let’s go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ”

⁷The Lord says,

“Sing with joy for Israel,

the greatest of the nations.

Sing your song of praise,

‘The Lord has saved his^o people;

he has rescued all who are left.’

⁸I will bring them from the north

and gather them from the ends of the earth.

The blind and the lame will come with them,

pregnant women and those about to give birth.

They will come back a great nation.

⁹My people will return weeping,

praying as I lead them back.

I will guide them to streams of water,

on a smooth road where they will not stumble.

I am like a father to Israel,

and Ephraim is my eldest son.”

¹⁰The Lord says,

“Nations, listen to me,

and proclaim my words on the far-off shores.

I scattered my people, but I will gather them

and guard them as a shepherd guards his flock.

¹¹I have set Israel’s people free

and have saved them from a mighty nation.

¹²They will come and sing for joy on Mount Zion

and be delighted with my gifts—

gifts of corn and wine and olive oil,

gifts of sheep and cattle.

They will be like a well-watered garden;

they will have everything they need.

¹³Then the young women will dance and be happy,

and men, young and old, will rejoice.

I will comfort them and turn their mourning into joy,

their sorrow into gladness.

¹⁴I will fill the priests with the richest food

and satisfy all the needs of my people.

I, the Lord, have spoken.”