17. Lord, you made us like a woman who is having a baby. She groans and cries out in pain.
18. We were pregnant. We groaned with pain. But nothing was born. We didn't bring your saving power to the earth. We didn't give life to the people of the world.
19. Israel , those among you who have died will live again. Their bodies will rise from the dead. You who lie in the grave, wake up and shout with joy. The dew of the morning gives life to the earth. So the earth will give up its dead people.
20. My people, go into your houses. Shut the doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while. Do it until the Lord's anger is over.
21. He is coming from the place where he lives. He will punish the people of the earth for their sins. The blood that has been spilled on the earth will be brought out into the open. The ground will no longer hide those who have been killed.