5 "I am the Lord. I say, " 'Cries of fear are heard. There is terror. There isn't any peace.
6 Ask and see. Can a man give birth to children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach? Each of them is acting like a woman having a baby. Every face is as pale as death.
7 How awful that day will be! No other day will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for the people of Jacob. But they will be saved out of it.
8 " 'At that time I will break the yoke off their necks,' announces the Lord who rules over all. 'I will tear off the ropes that hold them. People from other lands will not make them slaves anymore.
9 Instead, they will serve me. And they will serve David their king. I will raise him up for them. I am the Lord their God.
10 " 'People of Jacob, do not be afraid. You are my servant. Israel , do not be terrified,' " announces the Lord. " 'You can be sure that I will save you. I will bring you out of a place far away. I will bring your children back from the land where they were taken. Your people will have peace and security again. And no one will make them afraid.
11 I am with you. I will save you,' " announces the Lord. " 'I will completely destroy all of the nations among which I scatter you. But I will not completely destroy you. I will correct you. But I will be fair. I will punish you in a way that is fair and right.' "