12. ‘The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people.
13. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.’
14. This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,’ says the Lord Almighty,
15. ‘so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.
16. These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;
17. do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,’ declares the Lord.
18. The word of the Lord Almighty came to me.
19. This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’