4. So I will choose severe punishment for them;I will bring on them what they dread,because I called, and no one responded,I spoke and they did not listen.They did evil before me;they chose to do what displeases me.”
5. Hear the word of the Lord,you who respect what he has to say!Your countrymen, who hate you and exclude you, supposedly for the sake of my name,say, “May the Lord be glorified,then we will witness your joy.”But they will be put to shame.
6. The sound of battle comes from the city;the sound comes from the temple!It is the sound of the Lord paying back his enemies.
7. Before she goes into labor, she gives birth!Before her contractions begin, she delivers a boy!
8. Who has ever heard of such a thing?Who has ever seen this?Can a country be brought forth in one day?Can a nation be born in a single moment?Yet as soon as Zion goes into labor she gives birth to sons!
9. “Do I bring a baby to the birth opening and then not deliver it?”asks the Lord.“Or do I bring a baby to the point of delivery and then hold it back?”asks your God.