We have heard a cry of terror,
of dread—there is no peace.
⁶ Ask and see
whether a male can give birth.
Why then do I see every man
with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor
and every face turned pale?^(A)
7 How awful that day will be!^(B)
There will be no other like it!^(C)
It will be a time of trouble for Jacob,
but he will be saved out of it.
⁸ On that day—
this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies—
I will break his yoke from your neck^(D)
and tear off your chains,^(E)
and strangers will never again enslave him.^(F)
9 They will serve the Lord their God
and David their king,
whom I will raise up for them.^(G)
10 As for you, my servant Jacob,^(H)
do not be afraid—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
and do not be discouraged, Israel,
for without fail I will save you out of a distant place,
your descendants, from the land of their captivity!
Jacob will return and have calm and quiet
with no one to frighten him.^(I)
11 For I will be with you—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
to save you!^(J)
I will bring destruction on all the nations
where I have scattered you;
however, I will not bring destruction on you.
I will discipline you justly,
and I will by no means leave you unpunished.^(K)