18. Instead, shout for joy and be glad foreverin what I am creating.Indeed, I am creating Jerusalem to be a joyand its people to be a delight;
19. I will rejoice in Jerusalemand exult in my people.No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there,or the sound of crying;
20. No longer shall there be in itan infant who lives but a few days,nor anyone who does not live a full lifetime;One who dies at a hundred years shall be considered a youth,and one who falls short of a hundred shall be thought accursed.
21. They shall build houses and live in them,they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit;
22. They shall not build and others live there;they shall not plant and others eat.As the years of a tree, so the years of my people;and my chosen ones shall long enjoythe work of their hands.
23. They shall not toil in vain,nor beget children for sudden destruction;For they shall be a people blessed by the Lordand their descendants with them.
24. Before they call, I will answer;while they are yet speaking, I will hear.