Dual Panel1The LORD God of Israel said, "Jeremiah, get a scroll and write down everything I have told you.
2(30:1)
3Someday I will let my people from both Israel and Judah return to the land I gave their ancestors."
4Then the LORD told me to say to Israel and Judah: I, the LORD, hear screams of terror, and there is no peace.
5(30:4)
6Can men give birth? Then why do I see them looking so pale and clutching their stomachs like women in labor?
7My people, soon you will suffer worse than ever before, but I will save you.
8Now you are slaves of other nations, but I will break the chains and smash the yokes that keep you in slavery.
9Then you will be my servants, and I will choose a king for you from the family of David. *
10Israel, you belong to me, so don't be afraid. You deserved to be punished; that's why I scattered you in distant nations. But I am with you, and someday I will destroy those nations.
11Then I will bring you and your descendants back to your land, where I will protect you and give you peace. Then your fears will be gone. I, the LORD, have spoken.
12The LORD said: My people, you are wounded and near death.
13You are accused of a crime with no one to defend you, and you are covered with sores that no medicine can cure. *
14Your friends have forgotten you; they don't care anymore. Even I have acted like an enemy. And because your sins are horrible and countless, I will be cruel as I punish you.
15So don't bother to cry out for relief from your pain.
16But if your enemies try to rob or destroy you, I will rob and destroy them, and they will be led as captives to foreign lands.
17No one wants you as a friend or cares what happens to you. But I will heal your injuries, and you will get well.
18The LORD said: Israel, I will be kind to you and let you come home. Jerusalem now lies in ruins, but you will rebuild it, complete with a new palace.
19Other nations will respect and honor you. Your homes will be filled with children, and you will celebrate, singing praises to me.
20It will be just like old times. Your nation will worship me, and I will punish anyone who abuses you.
21One of your own people will become your ruler. And when I invite him to come near me at the place of worship, he will do so. No one would dare to come near without being invited.
22You will be my people, and I will be your God. I, the LORD, have spoken.
23I am furious! And like a violent storm I will strike those who do wrong.
24I won't calm down until I have finished what I have decided to do. Someday, you will understand what I mean.