5 This is what the lord says:“I hear cries of fear;there is terror and no peace.
6 Now let me ask you a question:Do men give birth to babies?Then why do they stand there, ashen-faced,hands pressed against their sideslike a woman in labor?
7 In all history there has never been such a time of terror.It will be a time of trouble for my people Israel.Yet in the end they will be saved!
8 For in that day,”says the lord of Heaven’s Armies,“I will break the yoke from their necksand snap their chains.Foreigners will no longer be their masters.
9 For my people will serve the lord their Godand their king descended from David—the king I will raise up for them.
10 “So do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant;do not be dismayed, Israel,”says the lord.“For I will bring you home again from distant lands,and your children will return from their exile.Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet,and no one will terrorize them.
11 For I am with you and will save you,”says the lord.“I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will discipline you, but with justice;I cannot let you go unpunished.”