People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you won’t weep anymore. When you cry out to the Lord for help, he will have mercy on you. As soon as he hears you, he’ll answer you.
The Lord rules over all. The Lord says, “My people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrian army. They beat you with rods. They lift up war clubs against you, just as the Egyptians did.
He will swallow up death forever. The Lord and King will wipe away the tears from everyone’s face. He will remove the shame of his people from the whole earth. The Lord has spoken.
Those the Lord has saved will return to their land. They will sing as they enter the city of Zion. Joy that lasts forever will be like beautiful crowns on their heads. They will be filled with gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing will be gone.
“Those who are poor and needy search for water. But there isn’t any. Their tongues are dry because they are thirsty. But I will help them. I am the Lord. I will not desert them. I am Israel’s God.
The time is almost here for me to make everything right. It is not far away. The time for me to save you will not be put off. I will save the city of Zion. I will bring honor to Israel.
You will call out to me for help. And I will answer you. You will cry out. And I will say, ‘Here I am.’ “Get rid of the chains you use to hold others down. Stop pointing your finger at others as if they had done something wrong. Stop saying harmful things about them.
So be glad and full of joy forever because of what I will create. I will cause others to take delight in Jerusalem. They will be filled with joy when they see its people.
I will give children to the families of Jacob and Judah. They will possess my entire land. My chosen people will be given all of it. Those who serve me will live there.
They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion. They will be joyful because of everything I give them. I give them grain, olive oil and fresh wine. I give them the young animals in their flocks and herds. Israel will be like a garden that has plenty of water. And they will not be sad anymore.
The Lord says, “Do not weep anymore. Do not let tears fall from your eyes. I will reward you for your work,” announces the Lord. “Your children will return from the land of the enemy.
There will be a day when those on guard duty will cry out. They will stand on the hills of Ephraim. And they will shout, ‘Come! Let’s go up to Zion. Let’s go up to where the Lord our God is.’ ”
Their eyes will be filled with tears as they come. They will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water. I will lead them on a level path where they will not trip or fall. I am Israel’s father. And Ephraim is my oldest son.
Listen to those who have escaped. Listen to those who have returned from Babylon. They are announcing in Zion how I have paid Babylon back. I have paid it back for destroying my temple.
People of Israel, you will all serve me,’ announces the Lord and King. ‘You will serve me on my high and holy mountain in Jerusalem. There I will accept you. I will require your offerings and your finest gifts. I want you to bring them along with all your other holy sacrifices.
Why are you crying out so loudly now? Don’t you have a king? Has your ruler died? Is that why pain comes on you like the pain of a woman having a baby?
The Lamb, who is at the center of the area around the throne, will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water.’ (Isaiah 49:10) ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ” (Isaiah 25:8)