6. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “Those who are left alive then may think it is too difficult to happen, but it is not too difficult for me,” says the Lord All-Powerful.
7. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “I will save my people from countries in the east and west.
8. I will bring them back, and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their good and loyal God.”
9. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “Work hard, you who are hearing these words today. The prophets spoke these words when the foundation was laid for the house of the Lord All-Powerful, for the building of the Temple.
10. Before that time there was no money to hire people or animals. People could not safely come and go because of the enemies; I had turned everyone against his neighbor.
11. But I will not do to these people who are left what I did in the past,” says the Lord All-Powerful.
12. “They will plant their seeds in peace, their grapevines will have fruit, the ground will give good crops, and the sky will send rain. I will give all this to the people who are left alive.
13. Judah and Israel, your names have been used as curses in other nations. But I will save you, and you will become a blessing. So don’t be afraid; work hard.”
14. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “When your ancestors made me angry, I planned to punish you. I did not change my mind,” says the Lord All-Powerful.
15. “But now I will do something different. I am planning to do good to Jerusalem and Judah. So don’t be afraid.
16. These are the things you should do: Tell each other the truth. In the courts judge with truth and complete fairness.
17. Do not make plans to hurt your neighbors, and don’t love false promises. I hate all these things,” says the Lord.
18. The Lord All-Powerful spoke his word to me again.
19. This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “The special days when you fast in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become good, joyful, happy feasts in Judah. But you must love truth and peace.”