Jeremiah 31:15-22

15Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping. Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.”

16Thus says the Lord, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears, For your work will be rewarded,” says the Lord; “And your children will return from the enemy’s land.

17There is [confident] hope for your future,” says the Lord; “Your children will come back to their own country.

18I have surely heard Ephraim (Israel) moaning and grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like a bull unaccustomed to the yoke or an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the Lord my God.

19After I turned away [from You], I repented; After I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse]; I was ashamed and even humiliated Because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’

20Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him. Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.

21“Place for yourself road signs [toward Canaan], Make for yourself guideposts; Turn your thought and attention to the highway, To the way by which you went [into exile]. Retrace your steps, O virgin of Israel, Return to these your cities.

22How long will you hesitate [to return], O you faithless and renegade daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing in the land [of Israel]: A woman will encompass (tenderly love) a man.”