RCE Verse Context

54 And after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space of many hours, For so great was the astonishment of the people that they did cease from lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindreds which had been slain; Therefore, there was silence in all the land for the space of many hours.

55 And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto the people - and all the people did hear and did witness of it - saying: "O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, which are a descendant of Jacob, yea, which are of the house of Israel, O ye people of the house of Israel, How oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and have nourished you.

56 "And again - How oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, Yea, O ye people of the house of Israel which have fallen,

57 Yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; Yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, And ye would not.

58 "O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, How oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto Me with full purpose of heart;

59 But if not, O house of Israel, The place of your dwellings shall become desolate until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to your fathers."

60 And now it came to pass that after the people had heard these words, Behold, they began to weep and howl again because of the loss of their kindreds and friends.

61 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away.

62 And it was in the morning, And the darkness did pass from off the face of the land, And the earth did cease to tremble, And the rocks did cease to rend, And the dreadful groanings did cease, And all the tumultuous noises did pass away,

63 And the earth did cleave together again that it stood; And the mourning and the weeping and the wailing of the people which were spared alive did cease,

64 And their mourning was turned into joy, And their lamentations into the praise and the thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ their Redeemer.