17. The priests, the Lord’s servants, should cry.They should cry between the altar and entrance to the Temple.They should say, “Lord, have mercy on your people.Don’t let them be put to shame.Don’t let other nations make fun of them.Don’t let people in other nations ask,‘Where is their God?’”
18. Then the Lord became concerned about his land.He felt sorry for his people.
19. The Lord said to them:“I will send you grain, wine and olive oil.You will have plenty.No more will I shame youamong the nations.
20. I will force the army from the north to leave your land.I will force them into a dry, empty land.Their soldiers in front will be forced into the Dead Sea.And those in the rear will be forced into the Mediterranean Sea.Their bodies will rot and stinkbecause they did horrible things.”
21. But, land, don’t be afraid.Be happy and full of joybecause the Lord has begun to do wonderful things.
22. Wild animals, don’t be afraid.The open pastures will grow grass.The trees will grow fruit.The fig trees and the vines will grow much fruit.
23. So be happy, people of Jerusalem.Be joyful in the Lord your God.He will do what is rightand will give you rain.He will send the early rainand the late rain for you, as before.
24. And the threshing floors will be full of wheat.And the barrels will overflow with wine and olive oil.
25. “I sent my great army against you.Those swarming locusts and the hopping locusts,the destroying locusts and the cutting locusts ate your crops.But I will pay you backfor those years of trouble.