The Lord Will Restore Israel and Judah

18 The Lord says,

“I will restore the ruined houses of the descendants of Jacob.

I will show compassion on their ruined homes.

Every city will be rebuilt on its former ruins.

Every fortified dwelling will occupy its traditional site.

19 Out of those places you will hear songs of thanksgiving

and the sounds of laughter and merriment.

I will increase their number and they will not dwindle away.

I will bring them honor and they will no longer be despised.

20 The descendants of Jacob will enjoy their former privileges.

Their community will be reestablished in my favor

and I will punish all who try to oppress them.

21 One of their own people will be their leader.

Their ruler will come from their own number.

I will invite him to approach me, and he will do so.

For no one would dare approach me on his own.

I, the Lord, affirm it!

22 Then you will again be my people

and I will be your God.

23 Just watch! The wrath of the Lord

will come like a storm.

Like a raging storm it will rage down

on the heads of those who are wicked.

24 The anger of the Lord will not turn back

until he has fully carried out his intended purposes.

In days to come you will come to understand this.

31 At that time I will be the God of all the clans of Israel

and they will be my people.

I, the Lord, affirm it!”