5. This is what the Lord said:“We hear people crying from fear.They are afraid; there is no peace.
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 All-Powerful says, “At that timeI will break the yoke from their necksand tear off the ropes that hold them.Foreign people will never again make my people slaves.
9. They will serve the Lord their Godand David their king,whom I will send to them.
10. “So people of Jacob, my servants, don’t be afraid.Israel, don’t be frightened,” says the Lord.“I will soon 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 will completely destroy all those nationswhere I scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will punish you fairly,but I will still punish you.”