5. The city will be filled with boys and girls playing in the streets.
6. This is what the Lord of Armies says:It may seem impossible to the few remaining people in those days,but will it seem impossible to me? declares the Lord of Armies.
7. This is what the Lord of Armies says:I am going to save my peoplefrom the land where the sun risesand from the land where the sun sets.
8. I will bring them back, and they will live in Jerusalem.They will be my people, and I will be their God, who is faithful and just.
9. This is what the Lord of Armies says:Be strong so that the temple might be rebuilt,you people who are presently listeningto the words from the mouths of the prophetswho spoke when the foundationfor the house of the Lord of Armies was laid.
10. Before that time there was no money to hire any person or animal.No one who traveled was safe from the enemy.I turned every person against his neighbor.
11. But now I won’t deal with the few remaining peopleas I did in earlier times, declares the Lord of Armies.
12. Seeds will thrive in peacetime.Vines will produce their grapes.The land will yield its crops.The sky will produce its dew.I will give the few remaining peopleall these things as an inheritance.
13. Just as you, people of Judah and people of Israel,have been a curse among the nations,so I will now save you,and you will become a blessing.Don’t be afraid. Let your hands work hard.
14. This is what the Lord of Armies says:When your ancestors made me angry,I made plans to destroy you, declares the Lord of Armies,and I didn’t change my plans.
15. So now I have again made plans, but this time to do goodto Jerusalem and the people of Judah.Don’t be afraid.