The Lord said to his people: "You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls." But they said, "We will not follow it!"

So I, the Lord, tell you not to be afraid, you descendants of Jacob, my servants. Do not be terrified, people of Israel. For I will rescue you and your descendants from a faraway land where you are captives. The descendants of Jacob will return to their land and enjoy peace. They will be secure and no one will terrify them.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken afterward about another day.

Dealt

I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.

(Gimel) Be kind to your servant! Then I will live and keep your instructions.

Then she will pursue her lovers, but she will not catch them; she will seek them, but she will not find them. Then she will say, "I will go back to my husband, because I was better off then than I am now."

General references

They cried out to the Lord in their distress; he delivered them from their troubles.

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