22 Jeremiah 21-36: A Translation
(^3) For look, days are coming-oracle of Yahweh-when I will restore the
fortunes of my people Israel and Judah, said Yahweh, and I will bring
them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
- Yahweh Waits to Be Gracious (30:4-31:22)
a) A Time of Distress for Jacob (30:4-7)30 4 And these are the words that Yahweh spoke to Israel and to Judah:
(^5) For thus said Yahweh:
A sound of fright we have heard
terror, and no peace
(^6) Ask, would you, and see
if a male can bear a child?
So why do I see every man
his hands on his loins like a woman in labor?
and all faces turned deadly pale?
(^7) Woe! For great is that day
there is none like it
Yes, a time of distress it is for Jacob
and from it shall he be saved?
b) Do Not You Be Afraid, Jacob (30:8-11)
30 8 And it will happen in that day-oracle of Yahweh of hosts:
I will break his yoke from upon your neck
and your straps I will tear away
So strangers shall not again make him serve;^9 instead they shall serve Yah-
weh their God and David, their king, whom I will raise up for them.
(^10) But you, do not you be afraid, Jacob my servant
-oracle of Yahweh-
and do not you be broken, Israel
For look I will save you from afar
and your offspring from the land of their captivity
And Jacob will return and be undisturbed
yes, be at ease and none will frighten
(^11) For I am with you
-oracle of Yahweh-
to save you
For I will make a full end of all the nations
among which I have scattered you