17 The priests, the Lord’s servants, should crybetween the altar and the entrance to the Temple.They should say, “Lord, have mercy on your people.Don’t let them be put to shame;don’t let other nations make fun of them.Don’t let people in other nations ask,‘Where is their God?’ ”
18 Then the Lord became concerned about his landand felt sorry for his people.
19 He said to them:“I will send you grain, new wine, and olive oil,so that you will have plenty.No more will I shame youamong the nations.
20 I will force the army from the north to leave your landand go into a dry, empty land.Their soldiers in front will be forced into the Dead Sea,and those in the rear into the Mediterranean Sea.Their bodies will rot and stink.The Lord has surely done a wonderful thing!”
21 Land, don’t be afraid;be happy and full of joy,because the Lord has done a wonderful thing.
22 Wild animals, don’t be afraid,because the open pastures have grown grass.The trees have given fruit;the fig trees and the grapevines have grown much fruit.
23 So be happy, people of Jerusalem;be joyful in the Lord your God.Because he does what is right,he has brought you rain;he has sent the fall rainand the spring rain for you, as before.