¹⁶ I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up^(A) the injured and strengthen the weak,^(B) but the sleek and the strong I will destroy.^(C) I will shepherd the flock with justice.^(D)

⁸ but they will say, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the descendants of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.’ Then they will live in their own land.”^(A)

The Lord’s Plan

⁶ “In that day,” declares the Lord,

¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.^(A)

¹³ I will bring them out from the nations and gather^(A) them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.^(B) I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.^(C)

¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(A) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(B) be patient with everyone.