4. The Lord says to the people of Israel and Judah:
5. “I heard a cry of terror,a cry of fear and not of peace.
6. Now stop and think!Can a man give birth to a child?Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomachlike a woman in labour?Why is everyone so pale?
7. A terrible day is coming;no other day can compare with it —a time of distress for my people,but they will survive.”
8. The Lord Almighty says: “When that day comes, I will break the yoke that is round their necks and remove their chains, and they will no longer be the slaves of foreigners.
9. Instead, they will serve me, the Lord their God, and a descendant of David, whom I will enthrone as king.
10. “My people, do not be afraid;people of Israel, do not be terrified.I will rescue you from that distant land,from the land where you are prisoners.You will come back home and live in peace;you will be secure, and no one will make you afraid.
11. I will come to you and save you.I will destroy all the nationswhere I have scattered you,but I will not destroy you.I will not let you go unpunished;but when I punish you, I will be fair.I, the Lord, have spoken.”
12. The Lord says to his people,“Your wounds are incurable,your injuries cannot be healed.
13. There is no one to take care of you,no remedy for your sores,no hope of healing for you.
14. All your lovers have forgotten you;they no longer care about you.I have attacked you like an enemy;your punishment has been harshbecause your sins are manyand your wickedness is great.
15. Complain no more about your injuries;there is no cure for you.I punished you like thisbecause your sins are manyand your wickedness is great.
16. But now, all who devour you will be devoured,and all your enemies will be taken away as prisoners.All who oppress you will be oppressed,and all who plunder you will be plundered.
17. I will make you well again;I will heal your wounds,though your enemies say,‘Zion is an outcast;no one cares about her.’I, the Lord, have spoken.”
18. The Lord says,“I will restore my people to their landand have mercy on every family;Jerusalem will be rebuilt,and its palace restored.
19. The people who live there will sing praise;they will shout for joy.By my blessing they will increase in numbers;my blessing will bring them honour.
20. I will restore the nation's ancient powerand establish it firmly again;I will punish all who oppress them.