13 Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse[a](A) among the nations, so I will save(B) you, and you will be a blessing.[b](C) Do not be afraid,(D) but let your hands be strong.(E)

14 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster(F) on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty, 15 “so now I have determined to do good(G) again to Jerusalem and Judah.(H) Do not be afraid. 16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth(I) to each other, and render true and sound judgment(J) in your courts;(K) 17 do not plot evil(L) against each other, and do not love to swear falsely.(M) I hate all this,” declares the Lord.

18 The word of the Lord Almighty came to me.

19 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth,(N) fifth,(O) seventh(P) and tenth(Q) months will become joyful(R) and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth(S) and peace.”

20 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21 and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat(T) the Lord and seek(U) the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22 And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.”(V)

23 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’”(W)

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Footnotes

  1. Zechariah 8:13 That is, your name has been used in cursing (see Jer. 29:22); or, you have been regarded as under a curse.
  2. Zechariah 8:13 Or and your name will be used in blessings (see Gen. 48:20); or and you will be seen as blessed

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