3 To all who mourn in Israel,he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,a joyous blessing instead of mourning,festive praise instead of despair.In their righteousness, they will be like great oaksthat the lord has planted for his own glory.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,repairing cities destroyed long ago.They will revive them,though they have been deserted for many generations.
5 Foreigners will be your servants.They will feed your flocksand plow your fieldsand tend your vineyards.
6 You will be called priests of the lord,ministers of our God.You will feed on the treasures of the nationsand boast in their riches.
7 Instead of shame and dishonor,you will enjoy a double share of honor.You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,and everlasting joy will be yours.
8 “For I, the lord, love justice.I hate robbery and wrongdoing.I will faithfully reward my people for their sufferingand make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be recognizedand honored among the nations.Everyone will realize that they are a peoplethe lord has blessed.”