8 Then army commander Yahweh’s message came to me, saying: 2 “Army commander Yahweh says: I’m passionate for Zion with dedicated zeal and I am passionate for her with fierce anger. 3 Army commander Yahweh says: I will return to Tsiyyon (Zion) and will live in the middle of Yerushalem, because Yerushalem will be called ‘The city of truth’ and army commander Yahweh’s mountain will be called ‘The sacred mountain’. 4 Army commander Yahweh says:

Old men and old women will appear around Yerushalem’s streets once again,

≈and the people will need staffs in their hands because they’ve grown so old. 5 The city streets will be full of children playing in them.

6 Army commander Yahweh says:

If something seems impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days,

Yahweh’s declaration is: ‘It doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for me.’ 7 Army command Yahweh says:

Listen, I’m about to rescue my people from the lands to the east and to the west,[fn] 8 and I’ll bring them back. Then they’ll live in the middle of Yerushalem, so they will be my people again and I’ll be their God in truth and in righteousness.

9 Army commander Yahweh says:

“Let your hands be strong, all you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple—army commander Yahweh’s residence. 10 Because before those days, no crops were gathered in by anyone. Tthere was no profit for either man or beast, and there was no peace from enemies for anyone going or coming. I had caused every person to be against their neighbours. 11 But now it won’t be like it was in times past. Army commander Yahweh declares that I’ll be with the remnant of this people. 12 Because seeds of peace will be sown. The grapevine will produce its fruit and the soil will give its produce. The skies will give their dew, because I’ll give all those things to thos people as an inheritance. 13 House of Yehudah and house of Yisrael, you were made into an example of a curse for the other nations to see. So I will rescue you and you’ll be a blessing. Don’t be afraid—work hard to finish building the temple.

14 Because army commander Yahweh says: Just as I didn’t relent when I’d planned to do harm to you all when your ancestors provoked my anger, 15 so also at this time I’ll plan to do good again to Yerushalem and the house of Yehudah. Don’t be afraid. 16 These are the things that you all must do: Always tell the truth to those around you. Judge with truth, justice, and peace in your community courts.[ref] 17 Yahweh declares: Don’t inwardly plan to do evil things to others around you all, and don’t encourage false testimonies because those are the things I hate.”

18 Then army commander Yahweh’s message came to me, saying, 19 “Army commander Yahweh says this: The fasts of the fourth month, the fifth month, the seventh month, and the tenth month will become times of joy, gladness, and happy festivals for the house of Yehudah. Therefore appreciate and strive for truth and peace.

20 Army commander Yahweh says: People will come again, even those who’re currently living in various different cities. 21 The inhabitants of one city will go to another city and say, ‘Let’s go quickly to Yerushalem to make our requests to Yahweh—to ask for the favour of army commander Yahweh. We ourselves are also going.’ 22 Many people and powerful nations will come to seek army commander Yahweh there in Yerushalem, and to beg for Yahweh’s favour. 23 Army commander Yahweh says: In those days, ten men from every language and nation will grasp the hem of your robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we’ve heard that God helps you.’ ”