18 Be glad and rejoice foreverin what I’m creating,because I’m creating Jerusalem as a joyand her people as a source of gladness.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad about my people.No one will ever hear the sound of weeping or crying in it again.
20 No more will babies live only a few days,or the old fail to live out their days.The one who dies at a hundred will be like a young person,and the one falling short of a hundred will seem cursed.
21 They will build houses and live in them;they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They won’t build for others to live in,nor plant for others to eat.Like the days of a tree will be the days of my people;my chosen will make full use of their handiwork.
23 They won’t labor in vain,nor bear children to a world of horrors,because they will be people blessed by the Lord, they along with their descendants.
24 Before they call, I will answer;while they are still speaking, I will hear.