Spirit that Gives Life

¹⁴ The palace will be deserted, the crowded city abandoned. Stronghold and watchtower will become empty fields forever, suited for the pleasure of wild donkeys, and a pasture for flocks ¹⁵ until a spirit from on high is poured out on us, and the desert turns into farmland, and the farmland is considered a forest. ¹⁶ Then justice will reside in wild lands, and righteousness will abide in farmlands. ¹⁷ The fruit of righteousness will be peace, and the outcome of righteousness, calm and security forever. ¹⁸ Then my people will live in a peaceful dwelling, in secure homes, in carefree resting places. ¹⁹ Even if the forest falls and the humbled city is laid low, ²⁰ those who sow beside any stream will be happy, sending out ox and donkey to graze.