17. "I will create new heavens and a new earth. The things that have happened before will not be remembered. They will not even enter your minds.
18. So be glad and full of joy forever because of what I will create. I will cause others to take delight in Jerusalem. They will be filled with joy when they see its people.
19. And I will be full of joy because of Jerusalem. I will take delight in my people. Sobbing and crying will not be heard there anymore.
20. "Babies in Jerusalem will no longer live only a few days. Old people will not fail to live for a very long time. Those who live to the age of 100 will be thought of as still being young when they die. Those who die before they are 100 will be considered as having been under God's curse.
21. My people will build houses and live in them. They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22. They will no longer build houses only to have others live in them. They will no longer plant crops only to have others eat them. My people will live to be as old as trees. My chosen ones will enjoy for a long time the things they have worked for.
23. Their work will not be worthless anymore. They will not have children who are sure to face sudden terror. Instead, I will bless them. I will also bless their children after them.
24. Even before they call out to me, I will answer them. While they are still speaking, I will hear them.
25. Wolves and lambs will eat together. Lions will eat straw like oxen. Serpents will not bite anyone. They will eat nothing but dust. None of those animals will harm or destroy anything or anyone on my holy mountain of Zion," says the Lord.