Israel’s Mourning Turned to Joy

1 “At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the aGod of all the bfamilies of Israel, and they shall be My people.”

2 Thus says the Lord,

“The people who survived the sword

aFound grace in the wilderness—

Israel, when it went to bfind its rest.”

3 The Lord appeared to 1him from afar, saying,

“I have aloved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore I have drawn you with blovingkindness.

4 “aAgain I will build you and you will be rebuilt,

O virgin of Israel!

Again you will 1take up your btambourines,

And go forth to the dances of the cmerrymakers.

5 “Again you will aplant vineyards

On the 1hills of Samaria;

The planters will plant

And will 2enjoy them.

6 “For there will be a day when watchmen

On the hills of Ephraim call out,

‘Arise, and alet us go up to Zion,

To the Lord our God.’ ”

7 For thus says the Lord,

“aSing aloud with gladness for Jacob,

And shout among the 1bchief of the nations;

Proclaim, give praise and say,

‘O Lord, csave Your people,

The dremnant of Israel.’