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    to preserve those who mourn in Zion,
to give to them beauty
    for ashes,
the oil of joy
    for mourning,
the garment of praise
    for the spirit of heaviness,
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord,
    that He might be glorified.

They shall build the old ruins;
    they shall raise up the former desolations,
and they shall repair the waste cities,
    the desolations of many generations.
Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,
    and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

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    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown(A) of beauty
    instead of ashes,(B)
the oil(C) of joy
    instead of mourning,(D)
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting(E) of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.(F)

They will rebuild the ancient ruins(G)
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers(H) will shepherd your flocks;
    foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

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