14 (A)Because the palaces will be forsaken,
The bustling city will be deserted.
The forts and towers will become lairs forever,
A joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks—
15 Until (B)the Spirit is poured upon us from on high,
And (C)the wilderness becomes a fruitful field,
And the fruitful field is counted as a forest.

The Peace of God’s Reign

16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness,
And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
17 (D)The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
18 My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet (E)resting places,
19 (F)Though hail comes down (G)on the forest,
And the city is brought low in humiliation.

20 Blessed are you who sow beside all waters,
Who send out freely the feet of (H)the ox and the donkey.

Read full chapter

14 The fortress(A) will be abandoned,
    the noisy city deserted;(B)
citadel and watchtower(C) will become a wasteland forever,
    the delight of donkeys,(D) a pasture for flocks,(E)
15 till the Spirit(F) is poured on us from on high,
    and the desert becomes a fertile field,(G)
    and the fertile field seems like a forest.(H)
16 The Lord’s justice(I) will dwell in the desert,(J)
    his righteousness(K) live in the fertile field.
17 The fruit of that righteousness(L) will be peace;(M)
    its effect will be quietness and confidence(N) forever.
18 My people will live in peaceful(O) dwelling places,
    in secure homes,(P)
    in undisturbed places of rest.(Q)
19 Though hail(R) flattens the forest(S)
    and the city is leveled(T) completely,
20 how blessed you will be,
    sowing(U) your seed by every stream,(V)
    and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.(W)

Read full chapter