⁷ “A woman does not give birth before she feels the pain.
    She does not give birth to a son before she feels the pain of birth.
⁸ No one has ever heard of that happening.
    No one has ever seen that happen.
In the same way no one ever saw a country begin in one day.
    No one has ever heard of a new nation beginning in one day.
But Jerusalem will give birth to her children
    just as soon as she feels the birth pains.
⁹ In the same way I will not cause pain
    without allowing something new to be born,” says the Lord.
“If I cause you the pain,
    I will not stop you from giving birth to your new nation,” says your God.
¹⁰ “Jerusalem, rejoice.
    All you people who love Jerusalem, be happy.
Those of you who felt sad for Jerusalem
    should now feel happy with her.
¹¹ You will enjoy her good things and be satisfied
    as a child is nursed by its mother.
You will receive her good things
    and enjoy her wealth.”

“I will give her peace that will flow to her like a river.
    The wealth of the nations will come flowing to her.
Like babies you will be nursed and held in my arms.
    You will be bounced on my knees.
¹³ I will comfort you
    as a mother comforts her child.
    You will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

¹⁴ When you see these things, you will be happy.
    You will grow like the grass.
The Lord’s servants will see his power.
    But the Lord’s enemies will see his anger.