3 Heb “who survived the sword.” This refers to the remnant of northern Israel who had not been killed when Assyria conquered Israel in 722 b.c. or who had not died in exile. References to Samaria in v. 5 and to Ephraim in vv. 6, 9 make clear that northern Israel is in view here.

In other versions

Thus says the Lord:

“The people who survived the sword

found grace in the wilderness;

when Israel sought for rest,

the Lord appeared to him from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

This is what the Lord says:

“The people who survive the sword

will find favor in the wilderness;

I will come to give rest to Israel.”

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

This is what the Lord says:

The people who survived the sword

found favor in the wilderness.

When Israel went to find rest,

the Lord appeared to him from far away.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;

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

This is what the Lord says:

“Those who survive the coming destruction

will find blessings even in the barren land,

for I will give rest to the people of Israel.”

Long ago the Lord said to Israel:

“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.

With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

Thus says Yahweh:

“The people of the survivors of the sword found grace in the desert;

Israel going to find their rest.”

From afar Yahweh appeared to me, saying,

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Therefore I have drawn you with loyal love.

Thus saith the Lord,

The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness;

Even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying,

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:

Therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

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