3. Long ago the lord said to Israel:“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
4. I will rebuild you, my virgin Israel.You will again be happyand dance merrily with your tambourines.
5. Again you will plant your vineyards on the mountains of Samariaand eat from your own gardens there.
6. The day will come when watchmen will shoutfrom the hill country of Ephraim,‘Come, let us go up to Jerusalemto worship the lord our God.’”
7. Now this is what the lord says:“Sing with joy for Israel.Shout for the greatest of nations!Shout out with praise and joy:‘Save your people, O lord,the remnant of Israel!’