7. In all history there has never been such a time of terror.It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel.Yet in the end they will be saved!
8. For in that day,”says the lord of Heaven’s Armies,“I will break the yoke from their necksand snap their chains.Foreigners will no longer be their masters.
9. For my people will serve the lord their Godand their king descended from David—the king I will raise up for them.
10. “So do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant;do not be dismayed, Israel,”says the lord.“For I will bring you home again from distant lands,and your children will return from their exile.Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet,and no one will terrorize them.
11. For I am with you and will save you,”says the lord.“I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will discipline you, but with justice;I cannot let you go unpunished.”
12. This is what the lord says:“Your injury is incurable—a terrible wound.
13. There is no one to help youor to bind up your injury.No medicine can heal you.
14. All your lovers—your allies—have left youand do not care about you anymore.I have wounded you cruelly,as though I were your enemy.For your sins are many,and your guilt is great.
15. Why do you protest your punishment—this wound that has no cure?I have had to punish youbecause your sins are manyand your guilt is great.
16. “But all who devour you will be devoured,and all your enemies will be sent into exile.All who plunder you will be plundered,and all who attack you will be attacked.
17. I will give you back your healthand heal your wounds,” says the lord.“For you are called an outcast—‘Jerusalem for whom no one cares.’”
18. This is what the lord says:“When I bring Israel home again from captivityand restore their fortunes,Jerusalem will be rebuilt on its ruins,and the palace reconstructed as before.
19. There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving,and I will multiply my people, not diminish them;I will honor them, not despise them.
20. Their children will prosper as they did long ago.I will establish them as a nation before me,and I will punish anyone who hurts them.