Jeremiah 31:16-18

The Voice

The setting is Ramah, a village a few miles north of Jerusalem, where exiles are assembled before the long march to Babylon. Later the prophet himself will spend time in this refugee camp awaiting his own exile (40:1). For now, he paints the picture of Rachel, one of the matriarchs of this nation, weeping for her children as they head off into captivity.

¹⁶But listen to what the Eternal says:

Eternal One: Do not weep, Rachel—wipe the tears from your eyes—
        for I promise I will reward you for what you have done.
    Your children will return from this exile;
        they will come back home from this enemy land.
¹⁷    There is hope for your future, I promise.
        Your children will come home to their own land.
¹⁸    I have heard the cries of Ephraim, groaning, “You have disciplined me.
        I was like an unruly calf, but You disciplined me.
    Bring me back, so I can return home,
        for You are my God, the Eternal.