2
"Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: 'Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.
3
For behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord, 'that I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah,' says the Lord. 'And I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.' "
4
Now these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah.
5
"For thus says the Lord: 'We have heard a voice of trembling, Of fear, and not of peace.
6
Ask now, and see, Whether a man is ever in labor with child? So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins Like a woman in labor, And all faces turned pale?
7
Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob's trouble, But he shall be saved out of it.
8
'For it shall come to pass in that day,' Says the Lord of hosts, 'That I will break his yoke from your neck, And will burst your bonds; Foreigners shall no more enslave them.
9
But they shall serve the Lord their God, And David their king, Whom I will raise up for them.
10
'Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,' says the Lord, 'Nor be dismayed, O Israel; For behold, I will save you from afar, And your seed from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet, And no one shall make him afraid.
11
For I am with you,' says the Lord, 'to save you; Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, Yet I will not make a complete end of you. But I will correct you in justice, And will not let you go altogether unpunished.'
12
"For thus says the Lord: 'Your affliction is incurable, Your wound is severe.