1This word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, 2“Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. 3For the days are coming when I will restore My people, of Israel and Judah that are captive; and I will cause them to return and possess the land that I gave to their fathers.’”

4This is the message that the LORD gave regarding Israel and Judah: 5“Cries of panic, terror - and not of peace - are heard. 6Can a man bear children? Why, then, do I see each strong man with his hands on his stomach, and their faces turned pale, like a woman in labor? 7In all history there has never been such an awful day! It is the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be rescued from it. 8In that day”, says the LORD of hosts, “I will break his (the foreigner’s) yoke from their neck, and snap their chains; and foreigners shall no more enslave them, 9Instead, My people shall serve the LORD, their God, and David, their king, whom I will raise up for them. 10So do not fear, O My servant, Jacob”, says the LORD; “Nor be dismayed, O Israel; for I will surely return you and your descendants from distant lands, lands where you were in captivity; and Jacob shall return to a life of peace, rest, and security; and none shall make him afraid. 11For I am with you to save you. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you, but I will correct you with measured discipline; I will not leave you entirely unpunished.”

12For thus says the LORD, “Your wound is incurable – a grievous injury. 13There is no one to plead your cause, or to treat you with healing medicines. 14All your friends – your allies - have forgotten you; they no longer care about you. I have wounded you as an enemy would - like the punishment from a fierce foe - because your sins and guilt have increased. 15Why do you protest your punishment? There is no relief for your pain because your sins are many; as you increased your guilt, I have had to do these things to you. 16But all those that assail you shall be assaulted; and all your adversaries - every one of them - shall go into captivity; and those that plundered you shall be plundered, and all that prey on you I will prey upon. 17But I will restore your health, and heal your wounds”, says the LORD, “Because they called you an outcast, and said, ‘This is Zion, that no one desires.’”

18This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents from the captivity, and will have compassion on his dwellings; and the city shall be rebuilt upon its own ruins, and the palace shall stand in its proper place. 19And out of them shall come shouts and songs of thanksgiving of those who rejoice; and I will increase and not decrease their numbers; I will also bring them honor, and not contempt. 20Their children shall also be as they were before, and their nation shall be established before Me, and I will punish all who oppress them. 21Their leader shall be one of their own, and their Ruler shall arise from among them; and I will draw Him near, and He shall come close to Me; for who would dare to approach Me uninvited?” says the LORD. 22“And you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 23Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goes forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind; it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. 24The fierce anger of the LORD shall not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come, you shall understand all this.”