13 Then young women of Israel will be happy and dance,the young men and old men also.I will change their sadness into happiness;I will give them comfort and joy instead of sadness.
14 The priests will have more than enough sacrifices,and my people will be filled with the good things I give them!” says the Lord.
15 This is what the Lord says:“A voice was heard in Ramahof painful crying and deep sadness:Rachel crying for her children.She refused to be comforted,because her children are dead!”
16 But this is what the Lord says:“Stop crying;don’t let your eyes fill with tears.You will be rewarded for your work!” says the Lord.“The people will return from their enemy’s land.
17 So there is hope for you in the future,” says the Lord.“Your children will return to their own land.
18 “I have heard Israel moaning:‘Lord, you punished me, and I have learned my lesson.I was like a calf that had never been trained.Take me back so that I may come back.You truly are the Lord my God.
19 Lord, after I wandered away from you,I changed my heart and life.After I understood,I beat my breast with sorrow.I was ashamed and disgraced,because I suffered for the foolish things I did when I was young.’