18. The Lord says, "I will bless Jacob's people with great success again. I will show tender love to Israel. Jerusalem will be rebuilt where it was destroyed. The palace will stand in its proper place.
19. From those places the songs of people giving thanks will be heard. The sound of great joy will come from there. I will increase the numbers of my people. Their numbers will not become smaller. I will bring them honor. People will have respect for them.
20. Things will be as they used to be for Jacob's people. I will make their community firm and secure. I will punish everyone who treats them badly.
21. Their leader will be one of their own people. Their ruler will rise up from among them. I will bring him near. And he will come close to me. He will commit himself to serve me," announces the Lord.
22. "So you will be my people. And I will be your God."
23. A storm will burst out because of the Lord's burning anger. A strong wind will sweep down on the heads of evil people.
24. The Lord's burning anger won't turn back. He will accomplish everything his heart plans to do. In days to come you will understand that.