⁹ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong^(A) so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets^(B) said who were present when the foundation^(C) was laid for the house of the Lord Almighty. ¹⁰ Before that time there were no wages^(D) for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely^(E) because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor. ¹¹ But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,”^(F) declares the Lord Almighty.

¹² “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit,^(G) the ground will produce its crops,^(H) and the heavens will drop their dew.^(I) I will give all these things as an inheritance^(J) to the remnant of this people.^{(K) 13} Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse^[a](L) among the nations, so I will save^(M) you, and you will be a blessing.^[b](N) Do not be afraid,^(O) but let your hands be strong.^(P)”