Jeremiah 31:1-9

1“At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”

2This is what the Lord says: The people who survived the wars have found favor in the desert. Israel went to find its rest.

3The Lord appeared to me in a faraway place and said, “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness.

4Once again I will build you up, and you will be rebuilt, my dear people Israel. Once again you will take your tambourines, and you will go dancing with happy people.

5Once again you will plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria. Those who plant them will enjoy the fruit.

6There will be a day when watchmen on the mountains of Ephraim will call out this message: ‘Arise! Let’s go to Zion, to the Lord our God.’ ”

7This is what the Lord says: Sing a happy song about Jacob. Sing joyfully for the leader of the nations. Shout, sing praise, and say, “O Lord, rescue your people, the remaining few from Israel.”

8“I will bring them from the land of the north. I will gather them from the farthest parts of the earth. Blind people and lame people will return together with pregnant women and those in labor. A large crowd will return here.

9They will cry as they return. They will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams on a level path where they will not stumble. I will be a Father to Israel, and Ephraim will be my firstborn.