10. Before that time there was no compensation for man or animal, nor was there any relief from adversity for those who came and went, because I had pitted everybody – each one – against everyone else.
11. But I will be different now to this remnant of my people from the way I was in those days,’ says the Lord who rules over all,
12. ‘for there will be a peaceful time of sowing, the vine will produce its fruit and the ground its yield, and the skies will rain down dew. Then I will allow the remnant of my people to possess all these things.
13. And it will come about that just as you (both Judah and Israel) were a curse to the nations, so I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid! Instead, be strong!’
14. “For the Lord who rules over all says, ‘As I had planned to hurt you when your fathers made me angry,’ says the Lord who rules over all, ‘and I was not sorry,
15. so, to the contrary, I have planned in these days to do good to Jerusalem and Judah – do not fear!
16. These are the things you must do: Speak the truth, each of you, to one another. Practice true and righteous judgment in your courts.
17. Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath – these are all things that I hate,’ says the Lord.”