Jeremiah 31:15–20

¹⁵This is what the Lord says:

“A voice was heard in Ramah

of painful crying and deep sadness:

Rachel crying for her children.

She refused to be comforted,

because her children are dead!”

¹⁶But this is what the Lord says:

“Stop crying;

don’t let your eyes fill with tears.

You will be rewarded for your work!” says the Lord.

“The people will return from their enemy’s land.

¹⁷So there is hope for you in the future,” says the Lord.

“Your children will return to their own land.

¹⁸“I have heard Israel moaning:

‘Lord, you punished me, and I have learned my lesson.

I was like a calf that had never been trained.

Take me back so that I may come back.

You truly are the Lord my God.

¹⁹Lord, after I wandered away from you,

I changed my heart and life.

After I understood,

I beat my breast with sorrow.

I was ashamed and disgraced,

because I suffered for the foolish things I did when I was young.’

²⁰“You know that Israel is my dear son,

The child I love.

Yes, I often speak against Israel,

but I still remember him.

I love him very much,

and I want to comfort him,” says the Lord.