16. These people carried off my beloved sons and took away my daughters, and I was left a widow, completely alone.
17. “My children in exile, I can do nothing to help you.
18. Only the one who brought this punishment upon you can rescue you from your enemies.
19. Go your own way, my children; live your own life! I am all alone.
20. I have taken off the robes I wore during days of peace, and I have dressed myself like a person in mourning. I will cry out to the Eternal God for help as long as I live.
21. “Take courage, my children, and cry out to God for help. He will rescue you from oppression, from the power of your enemies.
22. I am confident that the Eternal God will soon set you free. The Holy One, your eternal saviour, will make me happy when he shows you mercy.
23. I cried and wailed when you were taken away, but God will bring you back and will make me happy for ever.
24. Just as the neighbouring cities watched as you were taken captive, so they will soon see the Eternal God coming in glorious splendour to rescue you.
25. My children, endure God's punishment with patience. Your enemies have persecuted you, but you will soon see them destroyed and at your mercy.
26. My children, I spoiled you with love, but you have had to follow rugged paths; you were carried off like sheep caught in an enemy raid.
27. “Take courage, my children, and cry out to God for help. He punished you, but he will not forget you.
28. Just as you were once determined to turn away from God, now turn back and serve him with ten times more determination.
29. The one who brought these calamities upon you will rescue you and bring you everlasting joy.”
30. Take courage, Jerusalem. God, who gave you your name, will now bring comfort to you.
31. Misery will come to those who ill-treated you and then rejoiced when you fell.