The LORD says, "Let my people return to me. Remove every obstacle from their path! Build the road and make it ready!

People of Jerusalem, go out of the city And build a road for your returning people! Prepare a highway; clear it of stones! Put up a signal so that the nations can know

They will ask the way to Zion and then go in that direction. They will make an eternal covenant with me and never break it.

he said, "Be sure to obey all these commands that I have given you today. Repeat them to your children, so that they may faithfully obey all of God's teachings.

Over and above all this that I have provided, I have given silver and gold from my personal property because of my love for God's Temple.

From all the tribes of Israel people who sincerely wanted to worship the LORD, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem, so that they could offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their ancestors.

Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country.

Don't put your trust in violence; don't hope to gain anything by robbery; even if your riches increase, don't depend on them.

How happy are those whose strength comes from you, who are eager to make the pilgrimage to Mount Zion.

I looked at this, thought about it, and learned a lesson from it:

He said to me, "Watch, mortal man. Listen carefully and pay close attention to everything I show you, because this is why you were brought here. You are to tell the people of Israel everything you see."

Don't you see what is happening to you?

Run away from Babylonia! Run for your lives! Do not be killed because of Babylonia's sin. I am now taking my revenge and punishing it as it deserves.

The LORD says to his people in Babylonia: "You have escaped death! Now go! Don't wait! Though you are far from home, think about me, your LORD, and remember Jerusalem.

Go out from Babylon, go free! Shout the news gladly; make it known everywhere: "The LORD has saved his servant Israel!"

Be sure to leave Babylonia, all you that carry the Temple equipment. Touch no forbidden thing; keep yourselves holy and leave.

This time you will not have to leave in a hurry; you will not be trying to escape. The LORD your God will lead you and protect you on every side.

The LORD said to his people, "I scattered you in all directions. But now, you exiles, escape from Babylonia and return to Jerusalem.

(SEE 2:6)

Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully.

"Unfaithful people, come back; you belong to me. I will take one of you from each town and two from each clan, and I will bring you back to Mount Zion.

Though I have scattered them among the nations, yet in far-off places they will remember me. They and their children will survive and return home together.