16 In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘people will no longer say, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord.” It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made.
17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the Lord, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honour the name of the Lord. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.
18 In those days the people of Judah will join the people of Israel, and together they will come from a northern land to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance.
19 ‘I myself said,‘ “How gladly would I treat you like my childrenand give you a pleasant land,the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.”I thought you would call me “Father”and not turn away from following me.
20 But like a woman unfaithful to her husband,so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,’declares the Lord.
21 A cry is heard on the barren heights,the weeping and pleading of the people of Israel,because they have perverted their waysand have forgotten the Lord their God.
22 ‘Return, faithless people;I will cure you of backsliding.’‘Yes, we will come to you,for you are the Lord our God.