1. Be silent and listen,every island in the sea.Have courage and come near,every one of you nations.Let's settle this matter!
2. Who appointed this rulerfrom the east?Who puts nations and kingsin his power?His sword and his arrowsturn them to dustblown by the wind.
3. He goes after them so quicklythat his feetbarely touch the ground—he doesn't even get hurt.
4. Who makes these things happen?Who controls human events?I do! I am the Lord.I was there at the beginning;I will be there at the end.
5. Islands and foreign nationssaw what I did and trembledas they came near.
6. Worshippers of idolscomfort each other,saying, “Don't worry!”
7. Woodcarvers, goldsmiths,and other workersencourage one another and say,“We've done a great job!”Then they nail the idol down,so it won't fall over.
8. Israel, you are my servant.I chose you, the familyof my friend Abraham.
9. From far across the earthI brought you here and said,“You are my chosen servant.I haven't forgotten you.”
10. Don't be afraid. I am with you.Don't tremble with fear.I am your God.I will make you strong,as I protect you with my armand give you victories.
11. Everyone who hates youwill be terribly disgraced;those who attackwill vanish into thin air.
12. You will look aroundfor those brutal enemies,but you won't find thembecause they will be gone.