5 If you tremblewhen the Lord speaks,listen to what he says:“Some of your own people hateand reject you because of me.They make fun and say,‘Let the Lord show his power!Let us see himmake you truly happy.’But those who say these thingswill be terribly ashamed.”
6 Do you hear that noisein the city and those shoutscoming from the temple?It is the Lord shoutingas he punishes his enemies.
7 Have you ever heard of a womanwho gave birth to a childbefore having labour pains?
8 Who ever heard of such a thingor imagined it could happen?Can a nation be born in a dayor come to life in a second?Jerusalem is like a motherwho gave birth to her childrenas soon as she was in labour.
9 The Lord is the onewho makes birth possible.And he will see that Zionhas many more children.The Lord has spoken.
10 If you love Jerusalem,celebrate and shout!If you were in sorrowbecause of the city,you can now be glad.
11 She will nurse and comfort you,just like your own mother,until you are satisfied.You will fully enjoyher wonderful glory.