4. So I will choose harsh treatment for themand bring on them what they fear.I called, but no one answered.I spoke, but they didn’t listen.They did what I consider evil.They chose what I don’t like.
5. Listen to the word of the Lord, all who tremble at his word.Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name’s sake, say,“Let the Lord show his glory; then we will see your joy.”But they will be put to shame.
6. Listen to the uproar from the city.Listen to the sound from the temple.It is the sound of the Lordpaying back his enemies as they deserve.
7. Before a woman goes into labor, she gives birth.Before she has labor pains, she delivers a child.
8. Who has heard of such a thing?Who has seen such things?Can a country be born in one day?Can a nation be born in a moment?When Zion went into labor,she also gave birth to her children.
9. “Do I bring a mother to the moment of birthand not let her deliver?” asks the Lord.“Do I cause a mother to deliverand then make her unable to have children?” asks your God.
10. All who love Jerusalem, be happy and rejoice with her.All who mourn for her, be glad with her.
11. You will nurse and be satisfied from her comforting breasts.You will nurse to your heart’s delight at her full breasts.
12. This is what the Lord says:I will offer you peace like a riverand the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream.You will nurse and be carried in Jerusalem’s armsand cuddled on her knees.
13. As a mother comforts her child,so will I comfort you.You will be comforted in Jerusalem.
14. When you see it, your heart will rejoiceand you will flourish like new grass.The power of the Lord will be made known to his servants,but he will condemn his enemies.
15. The Lord will come with fireand with his chariots like a thunderstorm.He will pay them back with his burning angerand punish them with flames of fire.
16. The Lord will judge with fire,and he will judge all people with his sword.Many people will be struck dead by the Lord.