9
whose land lies in lumps of pitch and heaps of ashes. So will I do to those who have not listened to me, says the Lord Almighty."
10
Thus says the Lord to Ezra: "Tell my people that I will give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I was going to give to Israel.
11
Moreover, I will take back to myself their glory, and will give to these others the everlasting habitations, which I had prepared for Israel.
12
The tree of life shall give them fragrant perfume, and they shall neither toil nor become weary.
13
Ask and you will receive; pray that your days may be few, that they may be shortened. The kingdom is already prepared for you; watch!
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.