Jeremiah 31:1-9

1The Lord says this: ‘When that time comes, I will be the God of every family in Israel. And they will be my people.’

2The Lord says, ‘I was kind to the Israelites when they travelled in the desert. I helped those that the enemy had not killed, as they looked for a place where they could rest.’

3At that time long ago, the Lord showed himself to his people. He said, ‘I have always loved you and I always will love you. My faithful love for you continues for ever.

4My special people of Israel, I will make you strong again. You will be so happy that you dance, as people make music with tambourines.

5You will again plant vines on the hills in Samaria. Yes, farmers will plant vines and they will eat their fruit.

6There will be a time when guards will call out, as they watch for danger in the hills of Ephraim. They will shout, “Let us go up to Zion, to worship the Lord our God.” ’

7The Lord says this: ‘Sing with joy for Jacob's descendants! They are the greatest of all the nations! Praise the Lord with loud voices! Say, “Lord, please save your people. Save those Israelites who are still alive.”

8See what I will do! I will bring them back from the land in the north. Wherever they are, I will bring them back. A great crowd of my people will return. Blind people will be among them, and people who cannot walk well. There will be pregnant women and some who will very soon give birth.

9They will be weeping as they come. They will pray for my help as I lead them. I will lead them beside streams of fresh water, and on flat paths where they will not fall down. I will help them because I am a father for Israel's people. Ephraim is like my firstborn son.’