15 The words “And I will reply” are not in the text but the words vv. 8–9 appear to be the answer to the petition at the end of v. 7. These words are supplied in the translation for clarity.
16 Heb “They will come with weeping; I will bring them with supplication.” The ideas of contrition and repentance are implicit from the context (cf. vv. 18–19) and are supplied for clarity.
17 Jer 31:8–9 are reminiscent of the “New Exodus” motif of Isa 40–66 which has already been referred to in Jer 16:14–15; 23:7–8. See especially Isa 35:3–10; 40:3–5, 11; 41:17–20; 42:14–17; 43:16–21; 49:9–13. As there, the New Exodus will so outstrip the old that the old will pale in comparison and be almost forgotten (see Jer 23:7–8).
18 Ephraim was the second son of Joseph who was elevated to a place of prominence in the family of Jacob by the patriarch’s special blessing. It was the strongest tribe in northern Israel and Samaria lay in its territory. It is often used as a poetic parallel for Israel as here. The poetry is not speaking of two separate entities here; it is a way of repeating an idea for emphasis. Moreover, there is no intent to show special preference for northern Israel over Judah. All Israel is metaphorically God’s son and the object of his special care and concern (Exod 4:22; Deut 32:6).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Behold, I will bring them from the north country

and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,

among them the blind and the lame,

the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together;

a great company, they shall return here.

With weeping they shall come,

and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back,

I will make them walk by brooks of water,

in a straight path in which they shall not stumble,

for I am a father to Israel,

and Ephraim is my firstborn.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

See, I will bring them from the land of the north

and gather them from the ends of the earth.

Among them will be the blind and the lame,

expectant mothers and women in labor;

a great throng will return.

They will come with weeping;

they will pray as I bring them back.

I will lead them beside streams of water

on a level path where they will not stumble,

because I am Israel’s father,

and Ephraim is my firstborn son.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Watch! I am going to bring them from the northern land.

I will gather them from remote regions of the earth—

the blind and the lame will be with them,

along with those who are pregnant and those about to give birth.

They will return here as a great assembly!

They will come weeping,

but I will bring them back with consolation.

I will lead them to wadis filled with water,

by a smooth way where they will not stumble,

for I am Israel’s Father,

and Ephraim is my firstborn.

NLTNew Living Translation

For I will bring them from the north

and from the distant corners of the earth.

I will not forget the blind and lame,

the expectant mothers and women in labor.

A great company will return!

Tears of joy will stream down their faces,

and I will lead them home with great care.

They will walk beside quiet streams

and on smooth paths where they will not stumble.

For I am Israel’s father,

and Ephraim is my oldest child.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Look, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,

and I will gather them from the remotest part of the earth.

Among them the blind, and the lame,

those who are pregnant, and those who give birth,

together, a great assembly,

they will return here.

With weeping they will come,

and with pleas for mercy I will bring them;

I will let them walk by streams of water in a straight path.

They will not stumble in it,

for I have become to Israel a father,

and Ephraim, he is my firstborn.”

KJV 1900King James Version

Behold, I will bring them from the north country,

And gather them from the coasts of the earth,

And with them the blind and the lame,

The woman with child and her that travaileth with child together:

A great company shall return thither.

They shall come with weeping,

And with supplications will I lead them:

I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters

In a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble:

For I am a father to Israel,

And Ephraim is my firstborn.

Public Domain