7 “Before she goes into labor,a

she gives birth;

before the pains come upon her,

she delivers a son.b

8 Who has ever heard of such things?

Who has ever seenc things like this?

Can a country be born in a dayd

or a nation be brought forth in a moment?

Yet no sooner is Zion in labor

than she gives birth to her children.e

9 Do I bring to the moment of birthf

and not give delivery?” says the Lord.

“Do I close up the womb

when I bring to delivery?” says your God.

10 “Rejoiceg with Jerusalem and be glad for her,

all you who loveh her;

rejoice greatly with her,

all you who mourni over her.

11 For you will nursej and be satisfied

at her comforting breasts;k

you will drink deeply

and delight in her overflowing abundance.”l

12 For this is what the Lord says:

“I will extend peacem to her like a river,n

and the wealtho of nations like a flooding stream;

you will nurse and be carriedp on her arm

and dandled on her knees.

13 As a mother comforts her child,q

so will I comfortr you;

and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”