10. For before those days, there were no wages for people, nor hire for animals. Those who came and went were not safe from the enemy, for I set neighbor against neighbor.
11. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in former days—oracle of the Lord of hosts.
12. For there will be a sowing of peace:the vine will yield its fruit,the land will yield its crops,and the heavens will yield their dew.I will give all these things to the remnant of this people to possess.
13. Just as you became a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you that you may be a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.
14. Thus says the Lord of hosts:Just as I intended to harm you when your ancestors angered me—says the Lord of hosts—and I did not relent,
15. so again in these days I intend to favor Jerusalem and the house of Judah; do not fear!
16. These then are the things you must do: Speak the truth to one another; judge with honesty and complete justice in your gates.
17. Let none of you plot evil against another in your heart, nor love a false oath. For all these things I hate—oracle of the Lord.
18. The word of the Lord of hosts came to me:
19. Thus says the Lord of hosts:The fast days of the fourth, the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth months will become occasions of joy and gladness, and happy festivals for the house of Judah. So love faithfulness and peace!
20. Thus says the Lord of hosts:There will yet come peoples and inhabitants of many cities;
21. and the inhabitants of one city will approach those of another, and say, “Come! let us go to implore the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts. I too am going.”