6. The sound of an uproar from the city! A sound from the temple!The sound of the Lord repaying his enemies what they have earned.
7. Before she was in labor, she gave birth.Before her pangs came upon her, she delivered a boy.
8. Whoever heard of such a thing?Whoever saw such things as these?Can a land come to birth in one day?Can a nation be born all at once?Yet as soon as birth pangs came,Zion bore her children.
9. Will I open the womb and not bring to birth? says the Lord.Will I, who create life, close the womb? says your God.
10. Celebrate with Jerusalem; be happy with her,all you who love her!Rejoice with her in joy,all you who mourn over her,
11. so that you may nurse and be satisfiedfrom her comforting breasts,that you may drink and be refreshedfrom her full breasts.
12. The Lord says:Look, I’m extending prosperity to her like a river,and the wealth of nations like an overflowing stream.You will nurse and be carried on the hipand bounced upon the knee.
13. As a mother comforts her child,so I will comfort you;in Jerusalem you will be comforted.
14. When you see this, your heart will rejoice;your entire being will flourish like grass.The Lord’s power will be known among his servants,but his fury among his enemies.