1. “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;break forth into singing and cry aloud,you who have not been in labor!For the children of the desolate one will be morethan the children of her who is married,” says the Lord.
2. “Enlarge the place of your tent,and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;do not hold back; lengthen your cordsand strengthen your stakes.
3. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,and your offspring will possess the nationsand will people the desolate cities.
4. “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;for you will forget the shame of your youth,and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
5. For your Maker is your husband,the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.
6. For the Lord has called youlike a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,like a wife of youth when she is cast off,says your God.
7. For a brief moment I deserted you,but with great compassion I will gather you.
8. In overflowing anger for a momentI hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”says the Lord, your Redeemer.
9. “This is like the days of Noah to me:as I swore that the waters of Noahshould no more go over the earth,so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you,and will not rebuke you.