23
I cried and wailed when you were taken away, but God will bring you back and will make me happy forever.
24
Just as the neighboring cities watched as you were taken captive, so they will soon see the Eternal God coming in glorious splendor to rescue you.
25
My children, endure God's punishment with patience. Your enemies have persecuted you, but you will soon see them destroyed and at your mercy.
26
My children, I spoiled you with love, but you have had to follow rugged paths; you were carried off like sheep caught in an enemy raid.
27
"Take courage, my children, and cry out to God for help. He punished you, but he will not forget you.
28
Just as you were once determined to turn away from God, now turn back and serve him with ten times more determination.
29
The one who brought these calamities upon you will rescue you and bring you everlasting joy."
30
Take courage, Jerusalem. God, who gave you your name, will now bring comfort to you.
31
Misery will come to those who mistreated you and then rejoiced when you fell.
32
Misery will come to those cities that made your children slaves. Misery will be the fate of Babylon, that city which swallowed up your children.
33
Just as that city rejoiced when you fell and took delight in your ruin, so now she will mourn when she herself is deserted.