Jeremiah 50:4-10

New International Reader's Version

⁴ “The days are coming,”
    announces the Lord.
“At that time the people of Israel and Judah will gather together.
    They will come in tears to me.
    I am the Lord their God.
⁵ They will ask how to get to Zion.
    Then they will turn their faces toward it.
They will come and join themselves to me.
    They will enter into the covenant I make with them.
It will last forever.
    It will never be forgotten.

⁶ “My people have been like lost sheep.
    Their shepherds have led them astray.
    They have caused them to wander in the mountains.
They have wandered over mountains and hills.
    They have forgotten that I am their true resting place.
⁷ Everyone who found them destroyed them.
    Their enemies said, ‘We aren’t guilty.
They sinned against the Lord.
    He gave them everything they needed.
    He has always been Israel’s hope.’

⁸ “People of Judah, run away from Babylon.
    Leave the land of Babylon.
    Be like the goats that lead the flock.
⁹ I will stir up great nations
    that will join forces against Babylon.
    I will bring them from the land of the north.
They will take up their battle positions against Babylon.
    They will come from the north and capture it.
Their arrows will be like skilled soldiers.
    They will not miss their mark.
¹⁰ So the riches of Babylon will be taken away.
    All those who steal from it will have more than enough,”
    announces the Lord.