6There is a noise of war from the town, a sound from the Temple, the voice of the Lord giving punishment to his haters.
7Before her pains came, she gave birth; before her pains, she gave birth to a man-child.
8When has such a story come to men's ears? who has seen such things? will a land come to birth in one day? will a nation be given birth in a minute? For when Zion's pains came on her, she gave birth to her children straight away.
9Will I by whom the birth was started, not make it complete? says the Lord. Will I who make children come to birth, let them be kept back? says your God.
10Have joy with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all you her lovers: take part in her joy, all you who are sorrowing for her:
11So that you may take of the comfort flowing from her breasts, and be delighted with the full measure of her glory.
12For the Lord says, See, I will make her peace like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream, and she will take her children in her arms, gently caring for them on her knees.
