12 The Lord says, “I am the one who comforts you.So why should you be afraid of people, who die?Why should you fear people who die like the grass?
13 Have you forgotten that the Lord made you?He stretched out the skies.He made the earth.Why are you always afraidof those angry people who trouble you?They want to destroy.But where are those angry people now?
14 People in prison will soon be set free.They will not die in prison.They will have enough food.
15 This is because I am the Lord your God.I stir the sea and make the waves roar.My name is the Lord of heaven’s armies.
16 I will give you the words I want you to say.I will cover you with my hands and protect you.I made the heavens and the earth.And I say to Jerusalem, ‘You are my people.’”
17 The Lord was very angry with you.Your punishment was like wine in a cup.The Lord made you drink that wineuntil you stumbled.
18 Jerusalem had many people.But there was not a person to lead her.Of all the people who grew up there,no one was there to guide her.