18. The Lord says,“I will restore the ruined houses of the descendants of Jacob.I will show compassion on their ruined homes.Every city will be rebuilt on its former ruins.Every fortified dwelling will occupy its traditional site.
19. Out of those places you will hear songs of thanksgivingand the sounds of laughter and merriment.I will increase their number and they will not dwindle away.I will bring them honor and they will no longer be despised.
20. The descendants of Jacob will enjoy their former privileges.Their community will be reestablished in my favorand I will punish all who try to oppress them.
21. One of their own people will be their leader.Their ruler will come from their own number.I will invite him to approach me, and he will do so.For no one would dare approach me on his own.I, the Lord, affirm it!
22. Then you will again be my peopleand I will be your God.
23. Just watch! The wrath of the Lordwill come like a storm.Like a raging storm it will rage down on the heads of those who are wicked.
24. The anger of the Lord will not turn backuntil he has fully carried out his intended purposes.In days to come you will come to understand this.