6. In the days to come, the people of Jacob will be like a plant with good roots.Israel will grow like a plant beginning to bloom.Then the world will be filled with their children.
7. The Lord has not hurt his people as he hurt their enemies.His people have not been killed like those who tried to kill them.
8. The Lord will settle his argument with Israel by sending it far away.Like a hot desert wind, he will drive Israel away.
9. This is how Israel’s guilt will be forgiven.This is how its sins will be taken away.Israel will crush the rocks of the altar to dust.No statues or altars will be left standing for the Asherah idols.
10. At that time the strong, walled city will be empty.It will be like a desert.Calves will eat grass there.They will lie down there.They will eat leaves from the branches.