3 the Lord appeared to them from a distance:I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.And so with unfailing love,I have drawn you to myself.
4 Again, I will build you up,and you will be rebuilt, virgin Israel.Again, you will play your tambourinesand dance with joy.
5 Again, you will plant vineyardson the hills of Samaria;farmers will plant and then enjoy the harvests.
6 The time will come whenthe watchmen shout fromthe highlands of Ephraim:"Get ready! We’re going up to Zionto the Lord our God!"
7 The Lord proclaims:Sing joyfully for the people of Jacob;shout for the leading nation.Raise your voices with praise and call out:"The Lord has saved his people,the remaining few in Israel!"
8 I’m going to bring them back from the north;I will gather them from the ends of the earth.Among them will be the blind and the disabled,expectant mothers and those in labor;a great throng will return here.
9 With tears of joy they will come;while they pray, I will bring them back.I will lead them by quiet streamsand on smooth paths so they don’t stumble.I will be Israel’s father,Ephraim will be my oldest child.