- will the heat or the sun burn them, for He who has mercy on them will lead them to the springs of water. I will make a way to all my nations, raising my highways. Then see, oh house of Israel, all those who come to you from afar--from all over the world.'
Sing, oh heavens, be joyful, oh earth, for the people of the east will be established. Break forth into singing, oh nations, for you will no longer be broken up, for the Lord will comfort His people and have mercy on His afflicted!
Those of Zion will say, "The Lord has forgotten us!" but He will show that He has not. Just as a woman cannot forget her nursing child, neither can the Lord forget the house of Israel--even though they may forget Him.
He will say to them, "Look at these prints upon my hands, continually before me, just as you are. Therefore, I will cause your sons to quickly drive out your destroyers. Look around, oh house of Israel, and see all your tribes gathering around you.
And as I the Lord, live, you will surely be bound together in love. Your gathering tribes will yet make the desolate places too full, even after all your oppressors are removed far away.
Then your children, who will be given to compensate for your lost ones, will again say, "This place is too crowded. Give me another place to live."
Those of the house of Israel will ask, "Who has given me these children after my first ones were lost--after 1 was made desolate and moved from place to place? Where have these children been while I was left alone?"
- Note: Children -- Jeremiah 31:15-17.
