Zechariah 8:1-17

The LORD All-Powerful spoke his word, saying, This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: “I have a very strong love for Jerusalem. My strong love for her is like a fire burning in me.” This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Jerusalem and live in it. Then it will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD All-Powerful will be called the Holy Mountain.” This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: “Old men and old women will again sit along Jerusalem’s streets, each carrying a cane because of age. And the streets will be filled with boys and girls playing.” This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: “Those who are left alive then may think it is too difficult to happen, but it is not too difficult for me,” says the LORD All-Powerful. This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: “I will save my people from countries in the east and west. I will bring them back, and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their good and loyal God.” This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: “Work hard, you who are hearing these words today. The prophets spoke these words when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD All-Powerful, for the building of the Temple. Before that time there was no money to hire people or animals. People could not safely come and go because of the enemies; I had turned everyone against his neighbor. But I will not do to these people who are left what I did in the past,” says the LORD All-Powerful. “They will plant their seeds in peace, their grapevines will have fruit, the ground will give good crops, and the sky will send rain. I will give all this to the people who are left alive. Judah and Israel, your names have been used as curses in other nations. But I will save you, and you will become a blessing. So don’t be afraid; work hard.” This is what the LORD All-Powerful says: “When your ancestors made me angry, I planned to punish you. I did not change my mind,” says the LORD All-Powerful. “But now I will do something different. I am planning to do good to Jerusalem and Judah. So don’t be afraid. These are the things you should do: Tell each other the truth. In the courts judge with truth and complete fairness. Do not make plans to hurt your neighbors, and don’t love false promises. I hate all these things,” says the LORD.