8. I will guard my land and keep armies from passing through it. I will not allow tyrants to oppress my people any more. I have seen how my people have suffered.”
9. Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion!Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem!Look, your king is coming to you!He comes triumphant and victorious,but humble and riding on a donkey —on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10. The Lord says,“I will remove the war chariots from Israeland take the horses from Jerusalem;the bows used in battle will be destroyed.Your king will make peace among the nations;he will rule from sea to sea,from the River Euphrates to the ends of the earth.”
11. The Lord says,“Because of my covenant with youthat was sealed by the blood of sacrifices,I will set your people free —free from the waterless pit of exile.
12. Return, you exiles who now have hope;return to your place of safety.I tell you now, I will repay you twice overwith blessing for all you have suffered.
13. I will use Judah like a soldier's bowand Israel like the arrows.I will use the men of Zion like a sword,to fight the men of Greece.”
14. The Lord will appear above his people;he will shoot his arrows like lightning.The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet;he will march in the storms from the south.