Mourning Turned to Joy
The LORD promises again to be the God of all Israel and reminds the people that His love for them is everlasting. Therefore He will rebuild virgin Israel, restore celebration, renew the planting of vineyards, and bring the day when watchmen call the people up to Zion to seek the LORD.
“1At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.” 2This is what the LORD says: 3The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 4Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, 5Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; 6For there will be a day when watchmen will call out
The nations are summoned to witness the LORD regathering His people from the farthest places, including the weak and vulnerable, and leading them with weeping and prayer beside streams of water. He redeems Jacob from stronger hands, fills Zion with grain, wine, oil, and flocks, and transforms sorrow into joy so that priests and people alike are satisfied with His goodness.
7For this is what the LORD says: 8Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north 9They will come with weeping, 10Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, 11For the LORD has ransomed Jacob 12They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; 13Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, 14I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly,
Rachel's weeping over her children is answered by the LORD with a command to stop mourning because there is hope for return. Ephraim then confesses his waywardness and asks to be restored, and the LORD responds with deep compassion, urging faithless Israel to set markers for the road home and return to the cities He is giving back.
15This is what the LORD says: 16This is what the LORD says: 17So there is hope for your future, 18I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: 19After I returned, I repented; 20Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, 21“Set up the road markers, 22How long will you wander,
The LORD of Hosts blesses the habitation of righteousness and promises that Judah and its towns will dwell together again in peace. He Himself will refresh the weary and satisfy the fainting soul.
23This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore them from captivity, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling place, O holy mountain.’ 24And Judah and all its cities will dwell together in the land, the farmers and those who move with the flocks, 25for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.”