How does the city’s woe turn to joy?

The heading announces Jerusalem’s woe, Gentile and poor Israelite conversion, God’s presence and eventual Jewish conversion. The provoking, redeemed city, the dove, has not listened, received discipline, trusted God or drawn near. Princes are lions, judges evening wolves leaving nothing for morning; prophets are senseless and faithless and priests pollute the sanctuary and act against law. The just Lord does no iniquity and brings judgment to light each morning, while the wicked lack shame.

God has destroyed nations, towers, roads and cities. He expected fear and correction so her dwelling would not perish, but the people rose early to corrupt their thoughts. They must await the day of his resurrection: nations and kingdoms gather for indignation and earth is devoured by jealousy’s fire. He restores a chosen lip so all call upon him and serve with one shoulder. Suppliants and dispersed children bring an offering from beyond Ethiopia’s rivers. Proud boasters are removed from the holy mountain; poor and needy people remain hoping in God. Israel’s remnant does no iniquity or deceit, feeding and resting without fear.

Sion, Israel and Jerusalem are summoned to wholehearted joy. Judgment and enemies are removed and the Lord, Israel’s king, is in their midst. Jerusalem is told not to fear and Sion not to weaken her hands. The mighty God saves, rejoices, is silent in love and joyful in praise. Departed triflers are gathered to remove reproach. Afflicters are cut off; the halting are saved and outcasts gathered, receiving praise and a name where they suffered confusion. Captivity is brought back before their eyes and praise given among earth’s peoples. The text does not specify an altar for the offering, a medical cure for the halting, or everlasting duration for the name.