O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

He will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and possess the land;

The LORD is restoring Jerusalem; he is bringing back the exiles.

In days to come the mountain where the Temple stands will be the highest one of all, towering above all the hills. Many nations will come streaming to it,

and their people will say, "Let us go up the hill of the LORD, to the Temple of Israel's God. He will teach us what he wants us to do; we will walk in the paths he has chosen. For the LORD's teaching comes from Jerusalem; from Zion he speaks to his people."

This is my plan for the world, and my arm is stretched out to punish the nations."

I know their thoughts and their deeds. I am coming to gather the people of all the nations. When they come together, they will see what my power can do

Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully.

I will make Judah and Israel prosperous, and I will rebuild them as they were before.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the nations see his glory.

Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun; The glory of the LORD is shining on you!

Other nations will be covered by darkness, But on you the light of the LORD will shine; The brightness of his presence will be with you.

All the sheep of Kedar and Nebaioth Will be brought to you as sacrifices And offered on the altar to please the LORD. The LORD will make his Temple more glorious than ever.

To give to those who mourn in Zion Joy and gladness instead of grief, A song of praise instead of sorrow. They will be like trees That the LORD himself has planted. They will all do what is right, And God will be praised for what he has done.

You drive the women of my people out of the homes they love, and you have robbed their children of my blessings forever.

The LORD said to his people, "I scattered you in all directions. But now, you exiles, escape from Babylonia and return to Jerusalem.

Anyone who strikes you strikes what is most precious to me." So the LORD Almighty sent me with this message for the nations that had plundered his people:

The LORD said, "Sing for joy, people of Jerusalem! I am coming to live among you!"

Once again Judah will be the special possession of the LORD in his sacred land, and Jerusalem will be the city he loves most of all.