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7-8 “A woman does not give birth before she feels the pain. A woman must feel the pain of childbirth before she can see the boy she gives birth to. Who ever heard of such a thing? In the same way, no one ever saw a new world begin in one day. No one has ever heard of a new nation that began in one day. But when Zion feels the pain, she will give birth to her children. In the same way, I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born.”

The Lord says this: “I promise that if I cause you the pain of birth, I will not stop you from having your new nation.” Your God said this.

10 Jerusalem and all her friends, be happy!
    All of you who were sad for her, be happy and rejoice with her!

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Who has ever heard of such things?
    Who has ever seen(A) things like this?
Can a country be born in a day(B)
    or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
Yet no sooner is Zion in labor
    than she gives birth to her children.(C)
Do I bring to the moment of birth(D)
    and not give delivery?” says the Lord.
“Do I close up the womb
    when I bring to delivery?” says your God.
10 “Rejoice(E) with Jerusalem and be glad for her,
    all you who love(F) her;
rejoice greatly with her,
    all you who mourn(G) over her.

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