I asked him, "Sir, what do these horses mean?" He answered, "I will show you what they mean.

The LORD answered the angel with comforting words,

Then I saw the angel who had been speaking to me step forward, and another angel came to meet him.

The first one said to the other, "Run and tell that young man with the measuring line that there are going to be so many people and so much livestock in Jerusalem that it will be too big to have walls.

The angel who had been speaking to me came again and roused me as if I had been sleeping.

The angel also told me to proclaim: "The LORD Almighty says that his cities will be prosperous again and that he will once again help Jerusalem and claim the city as his own."

"Comfort my people," says our God. "Comfort them!

A voice cries out, "Proclaim a message!" "What message shall I proclaim?" I ask. "Proclaim that all human beings are like grass; they last no longer than wild flowers.

"I have longed to help Jerusalem because of my deep love for her people, a love which has made me angry with her enemies.

I will return to Jerusalem, my holy city, and live there. It will be known as the faithful city, and the hill of the LORD Almighty will be called the sacred hill.

His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace. He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The LORD Almighty is determined to do all this.

Then King Hezekiah asked, "What is the sign to prove that I will be able to go to the Temple?"

The LORD goes out to fight like a warrior; he is ready and eager for battle. He gives a war cry, a battle shout; he shows his power against his enemies.

He will wear justice like a coat of armor and saving power like a helmet. He will clothe himself with the strong desire to set things right and to punish and avenge the wrongs that people suffer.

LORD, look upon us from heaven, where you live in your holiness and glory. Where is your great concern for us? Where is your power? Where are your love and compassion? Do not ignore us.

"How can I give you up, Israel? How can I abandon you? Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah, or treat you as I did Zeboiim? My heart will not let me do it! My love for you is too strong.

Then the LORD showed concern for his land; he had mercy on his people.

The LORD God tolerates no rivals; he punishes those who oppose him. In his anger he pays them back.