The Eternal Covenant of Peace
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1"Sing, O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! For the children of 2the desolate one 3will be more than the children of her who is married," says the LORD.
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4"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.
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5For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.
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"Fear not, 6for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
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7For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; 8and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, 9the God of the whole earth he is called.
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10For the LORD has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God.
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11For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you.
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12In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, 13but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you," says the LORD, your Redeemer.
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"This is like 14the days of Noaha to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you.
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For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and 15my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
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16"O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, 17I will set your stones in antimony, 18and lay your foundations with sapphires.b
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I will make your pinnacles of agate,c your gates of carbuncles,d and all your wall of precious stones.
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19All your children 20shall be taught by the LORD, 21and great shall be the peace of your children.
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In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
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22If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you.
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Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy;
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)