Come now, let us reason together (make things right) (correct matters) between us! Says Jehovah. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will become as white as wool.

You did not buy me any sugar cane with your money or satisfy me with the best part of your sacrifices. Rather, you burdened me with your sins and troubled me with your iniquities.

You have never heard about them. You have never known about them. Your ears have never been open to hear them before. I know that you have acted very treacherously and that you have been called a rebel since you were born.

I hear the people of Israel say in grief, 'Jehovah, we were like an untamed animal, but you taught us to obey. Bring us back for we are ready to return to you, Jehovah our God.

I will honor the covenant I made with you when you were young. I will make a covenant with you that will last forever.

So tell the people of Israel, 'the Lord Jehovah says: I am about to do something, people of Israel. I will not do this for your sake but for the sake of my holy name, which you have dishonored among the nations wherever you have gone.'

He went to his father. He was a long way from home when his father saw him. His heart filled with pity. He ran and threw his arms around his son and kissed him.

The law came that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased God's loving kindness increased even more.

Will heal

Return you backsliding children, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful. See, we have come to you because you are Jehovah our God.

Jehovah appeared to him from afar, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

However I will heal this city and restore it to health. I will heal its people, and I will give them peace and security.

I will heal their apostasy! I will love them freely for my anger has turned away from them.

Will lead

They will never be hungry or thirsty. The sun and the burning hot wind will not strike them. The one who has compassion on them will lead them and guide them to springs.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.

The Lamb who is in the middle of the throne will feed them and lead them to living fountains of water. God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Restore

The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy, says: 'I dwell in the high and holy and also with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. I revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones.'

In that day you will say: I will praise you, O Jehovah. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

To proclaim the favorable Year of Jehovah and the day of vengeance of our God. To comfort all who mourn,

All who love Jerusalem, be happy and rejoice with her. All who mourn for her be glad with her.

Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and establish a willing spirit in me.

To his

If you will not listen, I will cry secretly over your arrogance. I will cry bitterly, and my eyes will flow with tears because Jehovah's flock will be taken captive.

Whoever is joined to all the living has hope. A living dog is better than a dead lion.

General references

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.