Isaiah 54

1 Sing and shout, even though you have never had children! The Lord has promised that you will have more children than someone married for a long time.

2 Make your tents larger! Spread out the tent pegs; fasten them firmly.

3 You and your descendants will take over the land of other nations. You will settle in towns that are now in ruins.

4 Don't be afraid or ashamed and don't be discouraged. You won't be disappointed. Forget how sinful you were when you were young; stop feeling ashamed for being left a widow.

5 The Lord All-Powerful, the Holy God of Israel, rules all the earth. He is your Creator and husband, and he will rescue you.

6 You were like a young wife, brokenhearted and crying because her husband had divorced her. But the Lord your God says, “I am taking you back!

7 I rejected you for a while, but with love and tenderness I will embrace you again.

8 For a while, I turned away in furious anger. Now I will have mercy and love you forever! I, your protector and Lord, make this promise.”

9 I once promised Noah that I would never again destroy the earth by a flood. Now I have promised that I will never again get angry and punish you.

10 Every mountain and hill may disappear. But I will always be kind and merciful to you; I won't break my agreement to give your nation peace.

11 Jerusalem, you are sad and discouraged, tossed around in a storm. But I, the Lord, will rebuild your city with precious stones; for your foundation I will use blue sapphires.

12 Your fortresses will be built of rubies, your gates of jewels, and your walls of gems.

13 I will teach your children and make them successful.

14 You will be built on fairness with no fears of injustice; every one of your worries will be taken far from you.

15 I will never send anyone to attack your city, and you will make prisoners of those who do attack.

16 Don't forget that I created metalworkers who make weapons over burning coals. I also created armies that can bring destruction.

17 Weapons made to attack you won't be successful; words spoken against you won't hurt at all. My servants, Jerusalem is yours! I, the Lord, promise to bless you with victory.