17
There's hope for your future, declares the LORD. Your children will return home!
18
I hear, yes, I hear Ephraim lamenting: "You disciplined me, and I learned my lesson, even though I was as stubborn as a mule. Bring me back, let me return, because you are the LORD my God.
19
After I turned away from you, I regretted it; I realized what I had done, and I have hit myself— I was humiliated and disgraced, and I have carried this disgrace since I was young."
20
Isn't Ephraim my much-loved child? Don't I utterly adore him? Even when I scold him, I still hold him dear. I yearn for him and love him deeply, declares the LORD.
21
Set up markers, put up signs; think about the road you have traveled, the path you have taken. Return, virgin Israel; return to these towns of yours.
22
How long will you hem and haw, my rebellious daughter? The LORD has created something new on earth: Virgin Israel will once again embrace her God!
23
The LORD of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims: When I bring my people back from captivity, they will once again utter these words in the land and towns of Judah: The LORD bless you, righteous dwelling place, holy mountain.
24
Those who live in Judah and its towns will dwell together with farmers and shepherds.
25
I will strengthen the weary and renew those who are weak.
26
Then I woke up and looked around. What a pleasant sleep I had!
27
The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will plant seeds in Israel and Judah, and both people and animals will spring up.