1The message from Yahweh of Armies came to me.
2Yahweh of Armies says, "I am very protective of Zion, and I am fiercely angry on her behalf."
3Yahweh says, "I have returned to Zion and will live in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called 'The City of Truth,' and the mountain of Yahweh of Armies will be called 'The Holy Mountain.'"
4Yahweh of Armies says, "Again, old men and old women will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with a walking stick in hand because of their advanced age."
5The city streets will be full of boys and girls playing.
6Yahweh of Armies says, "If this seems amazing to the small number of people left alive in those days, should it also seem amazing to me?" says Yahweh of Armies.
7Yahweh of Armies says, "Look, I will rescue my people from the lands to the east and the west."
8I will bring them back, and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, truly and righteously."
9Yahweh of Armies says, "Be strong, you who are hearing these words today from the mouths of the prophets, since the day the foundation of the house of Yahweh of Armies was laid, the temple, so that it might be built."
10Because before those days, there was no pay for people or animals. No one was safe when they went out or came in because of their enemies. I turned everyone against their neighbor.
11But now, I will not be like that to the small group of people left alive, as I was in earlier days," says Yahweh of Armies.
12"For they will plant seeds of peace, the vine will produce its fruit, the ground will yield its harvest, and the skies will provide their dew. And I will give all these things as an inheritance to the small group of people left alive."
13"Just as you, Judah and Israel, were a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will become a blessing. Don't be afraid. Be strong."
14For Yahweh of Armies says, "Just as I planned to bring disaster upon you when your ancestors made me angry," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I did not change my mind;"
15So again, I have decided to do good to Jerusalem and to the people of Judah these days. Don't be afraid.
16These are the things you must do: Each of you must speak the truth to your neighbor. In your courts, make fair and peaceful decisions.
17Don't plan evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love dishonest promises. I hate all these things," says Yahweh.
18The word of Yahweh of Armies came to me.
19Yahweh of Armies says: "The fasts in the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become times of joy, gladness, and cheerful celebrations for the people of Judah. Therefore, love truth and peace."
20Yahweh of Armies says: "Many peoples and residents of many cities will still come;
21and the residents of one city will go to another, saying, 'Let's go quickly to ask for Yahweh's favor and to seek Yahweh of Armies. I will go too!'
22Yes, many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek Yahweh of Armies and to ask for Yahweh's favor."
23Yahweh of Armies says: "In those days, ten men from every language group of the nations will grab the cloak of a Jew and say, 'We want to go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'"