17. What can I do to help you?
18. The one who has brought this evil upon youmust himself deliver you from your enemies’ hands.
19. Farewell, my children, farewell;I am left desolate.
20. I have taken off the garment of peace,have put on sackcloth for my prayer of supplication;while I live I will cry out to the Eternal One.
21. “Take courage, my children; call upon God;he will deliver you from oppression, from enemy hands.
22. I have put my hope for your deliverance in the Eternal One,and joy has come to me from the Holy OneBecause of the mercy that will swiftly reach youfrom your eternal Savior.
23. With mourning and lament I sent you away,but God will give you back to mewith gladness and joy forever.
24. As Zion’s neighbors lately saw you taken captive,so shall they soon see God’s salvation come to you,with great glory and the splendor of the Eternal One.