A reading from the book of Jeremiah.

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord.

Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel.

Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.

For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people,

Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the

land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it. These are the words

that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah. Thus says the Lord, we have heard a cry of panic,

of terror and no peace. Ask now and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach

like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale? Alas, that day is so great. There is none like it.

It is a time of distress for Jacob, yet he shall be saved out of it. And it shall come to pass in that day,

declares the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off your

neck, and I will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no more make a servant of him, but they shall

serve the Lord their God, and david their king, whom I will raise up for them. Then fear not,

O Jacob, my servant, declares the Lord, nor be dismayed, O Israel, for behold, I will save you

from far away, and your offspring from the

land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid,

for I am with you to save you, declares the Lord. I will make a full end of all the nations,

among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure,

and I will by no means leave you unpunished. For thus says the Lord, your hurt is incurable,

and your wound is grievous. There is none to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound,

no healing for you. All your lovers have forgotten you. They care nothing for you,

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