Jeremiah 33:1-14

1While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the Lord gave him this second message:

2“This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord:

3Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.

4For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king’s palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy.

5You expect to fight the Babylonians, but the men of this city are already as good as dead, for I have determined to destroy them in my terrible anger. I have abandoned them because of all their wickedness.

6“Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace.

7I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns.

8I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion.

9Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.

10“This is what the Lord says: You have said, ‘This is a desolate land where people and animals have all disappeared.’ Yet in the empty streets of Jerusalem and Judah’s other towns, there will be heard once more

11the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the Lord. They will sing, ‘Give thanks to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, for the Lord is good. His faithful love endures forever!’ For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the Lord.

12“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: This land—though it is now desolate and has no people and animals—will once more have pastures where shepherds can lead their flocks.

13Once again shepherds will count their flocks in the towns of the hill country, the foothills of Judah, the Negev, the land of Benjamin, the vicinity of Jerusalem, and all the towns of Judah. I, the Lord, have spoken!

14“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.