12 “This is what the Lord of Armies says: In this deserted place, where no people or animals live, and in all its cities, there will once again be pastures where shepherds can rest their flocks.
13 In the cities on the mountains, in the foothills, in the Negev, in the territory of Benjamin, in the area around Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shepherds will once again count their sheep,” says the Lord.
14 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will keep the promise that I made to Israel and Judah.
15 In those days and at that time, I will cause a righteous branch to spring up for David. He will do what is fair and right in the land.
16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live securely. Jerusalem will be called The Lord Our Righteousness.
17 “This what the Lord says: David will never fail to have a descendant sitting on the throne of Israel.
18 The Levitical priests will never fail to have a descendant in my presence to sacrifice burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to prepare daily sacrifices.”