4. So I will choose their punishment,and I will bring on them what they dreadbecause I called and no one answered;I spoke and they didn’t hear;they did what was evil in My sightand chose what I didn’t delight in.
5. You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the Lord: “Your brothers who hate and exclude youbecause of Me have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorifiedso that we can see your joy! ’But they will be put to shame.”
6. A sound of uproar from the city!A voice from the temple —the voice of the Lord,paying back His enemies what they deserve!
7. Before Zion was in labor, she gave birth;before she was in pain, she delivered a boy.
8. Who has heard of such a thing?Who has seen such things?Can a land be born in one dayor a nation be delivered in an instant?Yet as soon as Zion was in labor,she gave birth to her sons.
9. “Will I bring a baby to the point of birthand not deliver it? ”says the Lord;“or will I who deliver, close the womb? ”says your God.
10. Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her,all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her,all who mourn over her —