5 “This is what the Lord says:“We hear cries of fear, cries of panic, not cries of peace.
6 Ask now, and see: Can a man give birth to a child?Why, then, do I see every strong man holding his stomach in painlike a woman giving birth to a child?Why has every face turned pale?
7 How terrible that day will be!There will be no other day like it.It will be a time of calamity for the descendants of Jacob,but they will be rescued from it.
8 “On that day,” declares the Lord of Armies, “I will break the yokes off your necks and tear off your ropes. Foreigners will no longer make you serve them.
9 You will serve the Lord your God and David your king. I will establish him for you.
10 “Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob,” declares the Lord.Don’t be terrified, Israel.I’m going to rescue you from a faraway place.I’m going to rescue your descendants from where they are captives.The descendants of Jacob will again have peace and security,and no one will frighten them.
11 I am with you, and I will rescue you,” declares the Lord.“I will completely destroy all the nations where I scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will correct you with justice.I won’t let you go entirely unpunished.