Isaiah 32:12-20

New International Reader's Version

¹² Beat your chests to show how sad you are.
    The pleasant fields have been destroyed.
    The fruitful vines have dried up.
¹³ My people’s land is overgrown with thorns and bushes.
    Mourn for all the houses that were once filled with joy.
    Cry over this city that used to be full of wild parties.
¹⁴ The royal palace will be left empty.
    The noisy city will be deserted.
The fort and lookout tower will become
    a dry and empty desert forever.
Donkeys will enjoy being there.
    Flocks will eat there.
¹⁵ That will continue until the Holy Spirit
    is poured out on us from heaven.
Then the desert will be turned into rich farm lands.
    The rich farm lands will seem like a forest.
¹⁶ In the desert, the Lord will make sure people do what is right.
    In the rich farm lands he will make sure they treat one another fairly.
¹⁷ Doing what is right will bring peace and rest.
    When my people do that, they will stay calm
    and trust in the Lord forever.
¹⁸ They will live in a peaceful land.
    Their homes will be secure.
    They will enjoy peace and quiet.
¹⁹ Hail might strip the forests bare.
    Cities might be completely destroyed.
²⁰ But how blessed you people will be!
    You will plant your seeds by every stream.
You will let your cattle and donkeys
    wander anywhere they want to.