1. Sing and shout,even though you have neverhad children!The Lord has promised that youwill have more childrenthan someone marriedfor a long time.
2. Make your tents larger!Spread out the tent pegs;fasten them firmly.
3. You and your descendantswill take over the landof other nations.You will settle in townsthat are now in ruins.
4. Don't be afraid or ashamedand don't be discouraged.You won't be disappointed.Forget how sinful you werewhen you were young;stop feeling ashamedfor being left a widow.
5. The Lord All-Powerful,the Holy God of Israel,rules all the earth.He is your Creator and husband,and he will rescue you.
6. You were like a young wife,brokenhearted and cryingbecause her husbandhad divorced her.But the Lord your God says,“I am taking you back!
7. I rejected you for a while,but with love and tendernessI will embrace you again.
8. For a while, I turned awayin furious anger.Now I will have mercyand love you for ever!I, your protector and Lord,make this promise.”
9. I once promised Noah that Iwould never again destroythe earth by a flood.Now I have promised that Iwill never again get angryand punish you.