31:9 They will come back shedding tears of contrition.
I will bring them back praying prayers of repentance. 1
I will lead them besides streams of water,
along smooth paths where they will never stumble. 2
I will do this because I am Israel’s father;
Ephraim 3 is my firstborn son.’”
31:10 Hear what the Lord has to say, O nations.
Proclaim it in the faraway lands along the sea.
Say, “The one who scattered Israel will regather them.
He will watch over his people like a shepherd watches over his flock.”
31:11 For the Lord will rescue the descendants of Jacob.
He will secure their release 4 from those who had overpowered them. 5
31:12 They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion.
They will be radiant with joy 6 over the good things the Lord provides,
the grain, the fresh wine, the olive oil,
the young sheep and calves he has given to them.
They will be like a well-watered garden
and will not grow faint or weary any more.
31:16 The Lord says to her, 7
“Stop crying! Do not shed any more tears! 8
For your heartfelt repentance 9 will be rewarded.
Your children will return from the land of the enemy.
I, the Lord, affirm it! 10
31:17 Indeed, there is hope for your posterity. 11
Your children will return to their own territory.
I, the Lord, affirm it! 12