Jeremiah 30:1-24 CEV

[1] The LORD God of Israel said, "Jeremiah, get a scroll and write down everything I have told you. [3] Someday I will let my people from both Israel and Judah return to the land I gave their ancestors." [4] Then the LORD told me to say to Israel and Judah: I, the LORD, hear screams of terror, and there is no peace. [6] Can men give birth? Then why do I see them looking so pale and clutching their stomachs like women in labor? [7] My people, soon you will suffer worse than ever before, but I will save you. [8] Now you are slaves of other nations, but I will break the chains and smash the yokes that keep you in slavery. [9] Then you will be my servants, and I will choose a king for you from the family of David. [10] Israel, 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. [11] Then 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. [12] The LORD said: My people, you are wounded and near death. [13] You are accused of a crime with no one to defend you, and you are covered with sores that no medicine can cure. [14] Your 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. [15] So don't bother to cry out for relief from your pain. [16] But 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. [17] No one wants you as a friend or cares what happens to you. But I will heal your injuries, and you will get well. [18] The 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. [19] Other nations will respect and honor you. Your homes will be filled with children, and you will celebrate, singing praises to me. [20] It will be just like old times. Your nation will worship me, and I will punish anyone who abuses you. [21] One 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. [22] You will be my people, and I will be your God. I, the LORD, have spoken. [23] I am furious! And like a violent storm I will strike those who do wrong. [24] I won't calm down until I have finished what I have decided to do. Someday, you will understand what I mean.