His anger lasts only a moment, his goodness for a lifetime. Tears may flow in the night, but joy comes in the morning.

When the LORD brought us back to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!

How we laughed, how we sang for joy! Then the other nations said about us, "The LORD did great things for them."

All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, "I will go down to the world of the dead still mourning for my son." So he continued to mourn for his son Joseph.

"My son Joseph is still alive!" he said. "This is all I could ask for! I must go and see him before I die."

Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country.

that if any disaster struck them to punish them---a war, an epidemic, or a famine---then they could come and stand in front of this Temple where you are worshiped. They could pray to you in their trouble, and you would hear them and rescue them.

You are our God! Punish them, for we are helpless in the face of this large army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you for help."

Jehoshaphat led his troops back to Jerusalem in triumph, because the LORD had defeated their enemies.

When they reached the city, they marched to the Temple to the music of harps and trumpets.

These were the days on which the Jews had rid themselves of their enemies; this was a month that had been turned from a time of grief and despair into a time of joy and happiness. They were told to observe these days with feasts and parties, giving gifts of food to one another and to the poor.

The Sovereign LORD will destroy death forever! He will wipe away the tears from everyone's eyes and take away the disgrace his people have suffered throughout the world. The LORD himself has spoken.

The people of powerful nations will praise you; you will be feared in the cities of cruel nations.

Rejoice with Jerusalem; be glad for her, all you that love this city! Rejoice with her now, all you that have mourned for her!

You will enjoy her prosperity, like a child at its mother's breast.

I am telling you the truth: you will cry and weep, but the world will be glad; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into gladness.

"I don't know, sir. You do," I answered. He said to me, "These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution. They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb.

Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them,

He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared."

Praise his name with dancing; play drums and harps in praise of him.

Praise him with drums and dancing. Praise him with harps and flutes.

David, wearing only a linen cloth around his waist, danced with all his might to honor the LORD.

He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for mourning and the time for dancing,

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

Then the young women will dance and be happy, and men, young and old, will rejoice. I will comfort them and turn their mourning into joy, their sorrow into gladness.

I will fill the priests with the richest food and satisfy all the needs of my people. I, the LORD, have spoken."

Now go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don't have enough. Today is holy to our Lord, so don't be sad. The joy that the LORD gives you will make you strong."

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.

Jerusalem rejoices because of what the LORD has done. She is like a bride dressed for her wedding. God has clothed her with salvation and victory.

But the father called to his servants. 'Hurry!' he said. 'Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.