Jeremiah 31:7-14

New International Reader's Version

“Sing for joy because the people of Jacob are blessed.
    Shout because the Lord has made them the greatest nation.
Make your praises heard.
    Say, ‘Lord, save your people.
    Save the people who are left alive in Israel.’
⁸ I will bring them from the land of the north.
    I will gather them from one end of the earth to the other.
Even those who are blind and those who can’t walk
    will be among them.
Pregnant women and women having their babies
    will be among them also.
    Many of them will return.
⁹ Their eyes will be filled with tears as they come.
    They will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water.
    I will lead them on a level path
    where they will not trip or fall.
I am Israel’s father.
    And Ephraim is my oldest son.

¹⁰ “Listen to my message, you nations.
    Announce it on shores far away.
Say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them.
    He will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’
¹¹ I will set the people of Jacob free.
    I will save them from those who are stronger than they are.
¹² They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion.
    They will be joyful because of everything I give them.
I give them grain, olive oil and fresh wine.
    I give them the young animals in their flocks and herds.
Israel will be like a garden that has plenty of water.
    And they will not be sad anymore.
¹³ Then young women will dance and be glad.
    And so will the men, young and old alike.
I will turn their mourning into gladness.
    I will comfort them.
    And I will give them joy instead of sorrow.
¹⁴ I will satisfy the priests. I will give them more than enough.
    And my people will be filled with the good things I give them,”
    announces the Lord.