12. They will sow their crops in peace. Their vines will bear grapes, the earth will produce crops, and there will be plenty of rain. I will give all these blessings to the people of my nation who survive.
13. People of Judah and Israel! In the past foreigners have cursed one another by saying, ‘May the same disasters fall on you that fell on Judah and Israel!’ But I will save you, and then those foreigners will say to one another, ‘May you receive the same blessings that came to Judah and Israel!’ So have courage and don't be afraid.”
14. The Lord Almighty says, “When your ancestors made me angry, I planned disaster for them and did not change my mind, but carried out my plans.
15. But now I am planning to bless the people of Jerusalem and Judah. So don't be afraid.
16. These are the things you should do: speak the truth to one another. In the courts, give real justice — the kind that brings peace.
17. Do not plan ways of harming one another. Do not give false testimony under oath. I hate lying, injustice, and violence.”
18. The Lord Almighty gave this message to Zechariah:
19. “The fasts held in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become festivals of joy and gladness for the people of Judah. You must love truth and peace.”
20. The Lord Almighty says, “The time is coming when people from many cities will come to Jerusalem.
21. Those from one city will say to those from another, ‘We are going to worship the Lord Almighty and pray for his blessing. Come with us!’
22. Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord Almighty, and to pray for his blessing.