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 the Lord who made you,who stretched out the skiesand made the earth?Why are you always afraidof those angry people who trouble youand who 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,and they will have enough food.
15 I am the Lord your God,who stirs the sea and makes the waves roar.My name is the Lord All-Powerful.
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 Awake! Awake!Get up, Jerusalem.The Lord was very angry with you;your punishment was like wine in a cup.The Lord made you drink that wine;you drank the whole cup until you stumbled.
18 Jerusalem had many people,but there was not one to lead her.Of all the people who grew up there,no one was there to guide her.