“Says Yahweh of hosts.
‘But now I will not deal
With the remnant
Of this people
As in the former days.
Now there shall be
A sowing of peace.
The vine
Shall yield its fruit.
The ground
Shall give its produce.
The skies
Shall give their dew.
I will cause
The remnant of this people
To possess all these things.
Just as you have been a curse
Among the nations,
O house of Judah!
O house of Israel!
Thus,
I will save you.
You shall be a blessing.
Do not be afraid!
But let your hands be strong!’”
Yahweh of hosts was going to deal with his people, but not like in the former days. Now Yahweh was going to sow peace. Their vines would yield much fruit. Their ground would produce rich harvests. Their skies would send down gentle rain and dew. The remnant of the people would possess all these things. Just as many countries had cursed them in the past, now Judah and Israel would be a blessing to many countries. They should not be afraid, but continue with their strong hands.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 