[1] Sing and shout, even though you have never had children! The LORD has promised that you will have more children than someone married for a long time. [2] Make your tents larger! Spread out the tent pegs; fasten them firmly. [3] You and your descendants will take over the land of other nations. You will settle in towns that are now in ruins. [4] Don't be afraid or ashamed and don't be discouraged. You won't be disappointed. Forget how sinful you were when you were young; stop feeling ashamed for being left a widow. [5] The LORD All-Powerful, the Holy God of Israel, rules all the earth. He is your Creator and husband, and he will rescue you. [6] You were like a young wife, brokenhearted and crying because her husband had divorced her. But the LORD your God says, "I am taking you back! [7] I rejected you for a while, but with love and tenderness I will embrace you again. [8] For a while, I turned away in furious anger. Now I will have mercy and love you forever! I, your protector and LORD, make this promise." [9] I once promised Noah that I would never again destroy the earth by a flood. Now I have promised that I will never again get angry and punish you. [10] Every mountain and hill may disappear. But I will always be kind and merciful to you; I won't break my agreement to give your nation peace. [11] Jerusalem, you are sad and discouraged, tossed around in a storm. But I, the LORD, will rebuild your city with precious stones; for your foundation I will use blue sapphires. [12] Your fortresses will be built of rubies, your gates of jewels, and your walls of gems. [13] I will teach your children and make them successful. [14] You will be built on fairness with no fears of injustice; every one of your worries will be taken far from you. [15] I will never send anyone to attack your city, and you will make prisoners of those who do attack. [16] Don't forget that I created metalworkers who make weapons over burning coals. I also created armies that can bring destruction. [17] Weapons made to attack you won't be successful; words spoken against you won't hurt at all. My servants, Jerusalem is yours! I, the LORD, promise to bless you with victory.
