“Before she goes into labor,

    she gives birth;

before the pains come upon her,

    she delivers a son.

8 

Who has ever heard of such things?

    Who has ever seen things like this?

Can a country be born in a day

    or a nation be brought forth in a moment?

Yet no sooner is Zion in labor

    than she gives birth to her children.

9 

Do I bring to the moment of birth

    and not give delivery?” says the Lord.

“Do I close up the womb

    when I bring to delivery?” says your God.

10 

“Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her,

    all you who love her;

rejoice greatly with her,

    all you who mourn over her.

11 

For you will nurse and be satisfied

    at her comforting breasts;

you will drink deeply

    and delight in her overflowing abundance.”