6-9 “But now take another look. I’m going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And Jerusalem will be a center of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They’ll get reports on all the good I’m doing for her. They’ll be in awe of the blessings I am pouring on her.

10-11 “Yes, God’s Message: ‘You’re going to look at this place, these empty and desolate towns of Judah and streets of Jerusalem, and say, “A wasteland. Unlivable. Not even a dog could live here.” But the time is coming when you’re going to hear laughter and celebration, marriage festivities, people exclaiming, “Thank God-of-the-Angel-Armies. He’s so good! His love never quits,” as they bring thank offerings into God’s Temple. I’ll restore everything that was lost in this land. I’ll make everything as good as new.’ I, God, say so.

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Then this city will bring me renown,(A) joy, praise(B) and honor(C) before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble(D) at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’

10 “This is what the Lord says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.”(E) Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted,(F) inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more 11 the sounds of joy and gladness,(G) the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings(H) to the house of the Lord, saying,

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty,
    for the Lord is good;(I)
    his love endures forever.”(J)

For I will restore the fortunes(K) of the land as they were before,(L)’ says the Lord.

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