8 Who has ever heard of such things?Who has ever seen things like this?Can a country be born in a dayor a nation be brought forth in a moment?Yet no sooner is Zion in labourthan she gives birth to her children.
9 Do I bring to the moment of birthand not give delivery?’ says the Lord.‘Do I close up the wombwhen I bring to delivery?’ says your God.
10 ‘Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her,all you who love her;rejoice greatly with her,all you who mourn over her.
11 For you will feed and be satisfiedat her comforting breasts;you will drink deeplyand delight in her overflowing abundance.’
12 For this is what the Lord says:‘I will extend peace to her like a river,and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;you will feed and be carried on her armand dandled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,so will I comfort you;and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.’
14 When you see this, your heart will rejoiceand you will flourish like grass;the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants,but his fury will be shown to his foes.