12. The tree of life will fill the air round them with its fragrance. They will never have to work; they will never grow tired.
13. Ask, and you will receive. Pray that the number of the days you have to wait will be reduced. Even now the kingdom has been prepared for you, so stay alert.
14. Call heaven and earth to witness that I, the living God, have abolished evil and created good.
15. “Mother Jerusalem, take your children in your arms. Guide their steps in safe paths; rear them with the same delight as a dove has in rearing her young. I, the Lord, have chosen you.
16. I will raise your dead from their graves because I recognize them as my people.
17. Jerusalem, mother of these people, do not be afraid; I, the Lord, have chosen you.
18. “I will send my servants Isaiah and Jeremiah to help you. At their request I have consecrated and prepared for you twelve trees, heavy with different kinds of fruit,
19. twelve fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven high mountains covered with roses and lilies. I will make your children very happy there.
20. Now, Jerusalem, come to the defence of widows, take the side of the fatherless, give to the poor, protect orphans, give clothing to those who have none,
21. take care of those who are broken and weak, do not make fun of those who are crippled, protect the disabled, and help the blind to catch the vision of my dazzling splendour.
22. Keep both the old and the young safe within your walls.
23. Whenever you find a dead body, bury it and mark the grave, and I will give you a place of honour when I raise the dead.
24. “Be calm, my people; your time to rest will come.
25. Take care of your children like a faithful nursemaid and guide their steps in safe paths,
26. so that none of them will be lost. When the time comes, I will hold you responsible for them.