For days are coming—declares GOD—when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah, said GOD; and I will bring them back to the land that I gave their ancestors, and they shall possess it.
Ask and see: Surely males do not bear young! Why then do I see every man With his hands on his loins Like a woman in labor? Why have all faces turned pale?
In that day—declares GOD of Hosts—I will break the yoke from off your neck and I will rip off your bonds. Strangers shall no longer make slaves of them;
But you, Have no fear, My servant Jacob —declares GOD— Be not dismayed, O Israel! I will deliver you from far away, Your folk from their land of captivity. And Jacob shall again have calm And quiet with none to trouble him;
For I am with you to deliver you —declares GOD. I will make an end of all the nations Among which I have dispersed you; But I will not make an end of you! I will not leave you unpunished, But will chastise you in measure.
All your lovers have forgotten you, They do not seek you out; For I have struck you as an enemy strikes, With cruel chastisement, Because your iniquity was so great And your sins so many.
Assuredly, All who wanted to devour you shall be devoured, And every one of your foes shall go into captivity; Those who despoiled you shall be despoiled, And all who pillaged you I will give up to pillage.
Thus said GOD: I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents And have compassion upon his dwellings. The city shall be rebuilt on its mound, And the fortress in its proper place.
From them shall issue thanksgiving And the sound of dancers. I will multiply them, And they shall not be few; I will make them honored, And they shall not be humbled.
His chieftain shall be one of his own, His ruler shall come from his midst; I will bring him near, that he may approach Me —declares GOD— For who would otherwise dare approach Me?