6. Ask this question, and consider it:A man cannot have a baby.So why do I see every strong manholding his stomach in pain like a woman having a baby?Why is everyone’s face turning white like a dead man’s face?
7. This will be a terrible day!There will never be another time like this.This is a time of great trouble for the people of Jacob.But they will be saved from it.”
8. The Lord of heaven’s armies says, “At that timeI will break the yoke from their necks.And I will break the ropes holding them.Foreign people will never again make my people slaves!
9. They will serve the Lord their God.And they will serve David their king.I will send that king to them.
10. “So people of Jacob, my servants, don’t be afraid!Israel, don’t be frightened,” says the Lord.“I will save you from that faraway place where you are captives.I will save your family from that land.The people of Jacob will be safe and have peace again.There will be no enemy to frighten them.
11. I am with you and will save you,”says the Lord.“I scattered you among those nations.Even if I completely destroy all those nations,I will not destroy you.You will be punished fairly.But I will punish you.”
12. This is what the Lord said:“You people have a wound that cannot be cured.Your injury will not heal.