6 “When that day comes,” declares the Lord,“I will gather those who are lame.I will bring together those who are scatteredand those whom I have injured.
7 I will change those who are lame into a faithful people.I will change those who are forced away into a strong nation.”The Lord will rule them on Mount Zion now and forever.
8 You, Jerusalem, watchtower of the flock,stronghold of the people of Zion,your former government will come back to you.The kingdom will return to the people of Jerusalem.
9 Now why are you crying so loudly?Don’t you have a king?Has your counselor died?Pain grips you like a woman in labor.
10 Daughter of Zion, writhe in pain and groan like a woman in labor.Now you will leave the city,live in the open fields,and go to Babylon.There you will be rescued.There the Lord will reclaim you from your enemies.
11 But now many nations gather against you.They say, “Let’s dishonor Zion and gloat over it.”
12 They don’t know the thoughts of the Lord or understand his plan.He will bring them togetherlike cut grain on the threshing floor.