12-13. Now it is empty, without people or animals. But when that time comes, shepherds will take care of their flocks in pastures near every town in the hill country, in the foothills to the west, in the Southern Desert, in the land of the Benjamin tribe, and around Jerusalem and the towns of Judah.I, the Lord, have spoken.
14. The Lord said:I made a wonderful promise to Israel and Judah, and the days are coming when I will keep it.
15. I promise that the time will comewhen I will appoint a kingfrom the family of David,a king who will be honestand rule with justice.
16. In those days,Judah will be safe;Jerusalem will have peaceand will be named,“The Lord Gives Justice”.
17. The king of Israel will be one of David's descendants,
18. and there will always be priests from the Levi tribe serving at my altar and offering sacrifices to please me and to give thanks.
19. Then the Lord told me:
20. I, the Lord, have an agreement with day and night, so they always come at the right time. You can't break the agreement I made with them,