Zechariah 8:9-19

9This is what the Lord of Armies says: Be strong so that the temple might be rebuilt, you people who are presently listening to the words from the mouths of the prophets who spoke when the foundation for the house of the Lord of Armies was laid.

10Before that time there was no money to hire any person or animal. No one who traveled was safe from the enemy. I turned every person against his neighbor.

11But now I won’t deal with the few remaining people as I did in earlier times, declares the Lord of Armies.

12Seeds will thrive in peacetime. Vines will produce their grapes. The land will yield its crops. The sky will produce its dew. I will give the few remaining people all these things as an inheritance.

13Just as you, people of Judah and people of Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will now save you, and you will become a blessing. Don’t be afraid. Let your hands work hard.

14This is what the Lord of Armies says: When your ancestors made me angry, I made plans to destroy you, declares the Lord of Armies, and I didn’t change my plans.

15So now I have again made plans, but this time to do good to Jerusalem and the people of Judah. Don’t be afraid.

16You must do these things: Speak the truth to each other. Give correct and fair verdicts for peace in your courts.

17Don’t even think of doing evil to each other. Don’t enjoy false testimony. I hate all these things, declares the Lord.

18The Lord of Armies spoke his word to me again.

19This is what the Lord of Armies says: The fast in the fourth month, the fast in the fifth month, the fast in the seventh month, and the fast in the tenth month will become joyful and glad occasions as well as happy festivals for the nation of Judah. So love truth and peace.