10-14 “Hear this, nations! God’s Message!
    Broadcast this all over the world!
Tell them, ‘The One who scattered Israel
    will gather them together again.
From now on he’ll keep a careful eye on them,
    like a shepherd with his flock.’
I, God, will pay a stiff ransom price for Jacob;
    I’ll free him from the grip of the Babylonian bully.
The people will climb up Zion’s slopes shouting with joy,
    their faces beaming because of God’s bounty—
Grain and wine and oil,
    flocks of sheep, herds of cattle.
Their lives will be like a well-watered garden,
    never again left to dry up.
Young women will dance and be happy,
    young men and old men will join in.
I’ll convert their weeping into laughter,
    lavishing comfort, invading their grief with joy.
I’ll make sure that their priests get three square meals a day
    and that my people have more than enough.’” God’s Decree.

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11 For the Lord will deliver Jacob
    and redeem(A) them from the hand of those stronger(B) than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy(C) on the heights(D) of Zion;
    they will rejoice in the bounty(E) of the Lord
the grain, the new wine and the olive oil,(F)
    the young of the flocks(G) and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,(H)
    and they will sorrow(I) no more.
13 Then young women will dance and be glad,
    young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning(J) into gladness;
    I will give them comfort(K) and joy(L) instead of sorrow.

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