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 —
11. so that you may nurse and be satisfiedfrom her comforting breastand drink deeply and delight yourselvesfrom her glorious breasts.
12. For this is what the Lord says:I will make peace flow to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flood; you will nurse and be carried on her hip and bounced on her lap.
13. As a mother comforts her son,so I will comfort you, and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.
14. You will see, you will rejoice,and you will flourish like grass; then the Lord’s power will be revealed to His servants,but He will show His wrath against His enemies.