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He has sent me to announce the year
    when he will set his people free.
He wants me to announce the day
    when he will pay his enemies back.
Our God has sent me to comfort all those who are sad.
    He wants me to help those in Zion who are filled with sorrow.
I will put beautiful crowns on their heads
    in place of ashes.
I will anoint them with olive oil to give them joy
    instead of sorrow.
I will give them a spirit of praise
    in place of a spirit of sadness.
They will be like oak trees that are strong and straight.
    The Lord himself will plant them in the land.
    That will show how glorious he is.

They will rebuild the places that were destroyed long ago.
    They will repair the buildings that have been broken down for many years.
They will make the destroyed cities like new again.
    They have been broken down for a very long time.

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to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor(A)
    and the day of vengeance(B) of our God,
to comfort(C) all who mourn,(D)
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown(E) of beauty
    instead of ashes,(F)
the oil(G) of joy
    instead of mourning,(H)
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting(I) of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.(J)

They will rebuild the ancient ruins(K)
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.

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