6. The Lord says, “Jerusalem was hurt and crippled. She was thrown away. She was hurt and punished, but I will bring her back to me.
7. “The people of that ‘crippled’ city will be the only ones left alive. They were forced to leave, but I will make them into a strong nation.” The Lord will be their king. He will rule from Mount Zion forever.
8. And you, Tower of Flocks, your time will come. Ophel, hill of Zion, you will again have the right to rule. Yes, the kingdom will be in Jerusalem as it was in the past.
9. Now, why are you crying so loudly? Is your king gone? Have you lost your wise leader? Is that why you are suffering like a woman in labor?
10. Cry out, you people of Jerusalem, and feel the pain, as if you were giving birth. You must go out of the city and live in the fields. You will go away to Babylon, but you will also be saved from that place. The Lord will come and rescue you there. He will take you away from your enemies.
11. Many nations have come to fight against you. They say, “Look, there is Zion! Let’s attack her!”
12. They have their plans, but they don’t know what the Lord is planning. He brought them here for a special purpose. They will be crushed like grain on a threshing floor.