16. Bring the people togetherand make the meeting holy for the Lord.Bring together the elders,as well as the children,and even babies that still feed at their mothers’ breasts.The bridegroom should come from his room,the bride from her bedroom.
17. The priests, the Lord’s servants, should crybetween the altar and the 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 landand felt sorry for his people.
19. He said to them:“I will send you grain, new wine, and olive oil,so that you will have plenty.No more will I shame youamong the nations.