Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins."

He is to give a double share of his possessions to his first son, even though he is not the son of his favorite wife. A man must acknowledge his first son and give him the share he is legally entitled to.

There, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what you want me to do for you before I am taken away." "Let me receive the share of your power that will make me your successor," Elisha answered.

Then, after Job had prayed for his three friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had had before.

Return, you exiles who now have hope; return to your place of safety. Now I tell you that I will repay you twice over with blessing for all you have suffered.

And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.

They will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief.

Those whom you have rescued will reach Jerusalem with gladness, singing and shouting for joy. They will be happy forever, forever free from sorrow and grief.

"No longer will the sun be your light by day Or the moon be your light by night; I, the LORD, will be your eternal light; The light of my glory will shine on you.

Your days of grief will come to an end. I, the LORD, will be your eternal light, More lasting than the sun and moon.

You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.

These, then, will be sent off to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life."

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope,