3 The Sovereign Lord says to his people, “When you became slaves, no money was paid for you; in the same way nothing will be paid to set you free.
4 When you went to live in Egypt as foreigners, you did so of your own free will; Assyria, however, took you away by force and paid nothing for you.
5 And now in Babylonia the same thing has happened: you are captives, and nothing was paid for you. Those who rule over you boast and brag and constantly show contempt for me.
6 In time to come you will acknowledge that I am God and that I have spoken to you.”
7 How wonderful it is to seea messenger coming across the mountains,bringing good news, the news of peace!He announces victory and says to Zion,“Your God is king!”
8 Those who guard the city are shouting,shouting together for joy.They can see with their own eyesthe return of the Lord to Zion.
9 Break into shouts of joy,you ruins of Jerusalem!The Lord will rescue his cityand comfort his people.