4. The Lord spoke this message about the people of Israel and Judah.
5. This is what the Lord said: “We hear people crying from fear. There is fear, not peace.
6. “Ask this question and consider it: Can a man have a baby? Of course not! Then why do I see every strong man holding his stomach like a woman having labor pains? Why is everyone’s face turning white like a dead man?
7. “This is a very important time for Jacob. This is a time of great trouble. There will never be another time like this, but Jacob will be saved.
8. “At that time,” says the Lord All-Powerful, “I will break the yoke from the necks of the people of Israel and Judah, and I will break the ropes holding you. People from foreign countries will never again force my people to be slaves.
9. The people of Israel and Judah will not serve foreign countries. No, they will serve the Lord their God. I will send them David their king, and they will serve him.
10. “So Jacob, my servant, don’t be afraid!” This message is from the Lord. “Israel, don’t be afraid. I will save you from that faraway place. You are captives in that faraway land, but I will save your descendants. I will bring them back from that land. Jacob will have peace again. People will not bother Jacob. There will be no enemy to frighten my people.