15 “You will no longer be forsaken and hated,A city deserted and desolate.I will make you great and beautiful,A place of joy for ever and ever.
16 Nations and kings will care for youAs a mother nurses her child.You will know that I, the Lord, have saved you,That the mighty God of Israel sets you free.
17 “I will bring you gold instead of bronze,Silver and bronze instead of iron and wood,And iron instead of stone.Your rulers will no longer oppress you;I will make them rule with justice and peace.
18 The sounds of violence will be heard no more;Destruction will not shatter your country again.I will protect and defend you like a wall;You will praise me because I have saved you.
19 “No longer will the sun be your light by dayOr the moon be your light by night;I, the Lord, will be your eternal light;The light of my glory will shine on you.
20 Your days of grief will come to an end.I, the Lord, will be your eternal light,More lasting than the sun and moon.
21 Your people will all do what is right,And will possess the land for ever.I planted them, I made them,To reveal my greatness to all.