8 Look, I will soon bring Israel from the country in the north,and I will gather them from the faraway places on earth.Some of the people are blind and crippled.Some of the women are pregnant, and some are ready to give birth.A great many people will come back.
9 They will be crying as they come,but they will pray as I bring them back.I will lead those people by streams of wateron an even road where they will not stumble.I am Israel’s father,and Israel is my firstborn son.
10 “Nations, listen to the message from the Lord.Tell this message in the faraway lands by the sea:‘The one who scattered the people of Israel will bring them back,and he will watch over his people like a shepherd.’
11 The Lord will pay for the people of Jacoband will buy them back from people stronger than they were.
12 The people of Israel will come to the high points of Jerusalemand shout for joy.Their faces will shine with happiness about all the good things from the Lord:the grain, new wine, oil, young sheep, and young cows.They will be like a garden that has plenty of water,and they will not be troubled anymore.
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.