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.
13. I am the Lord your God.I am holding your hand,so don't be afraid.I am here to help you.
14. People of Israel, don't worry,though others may say,“Israel is only a worm!”I am the holy God of Israel,who saves and protects you.
15. I will let you be like a logcovered with sharp spikes.You will grind and crushevery mountain and hilluntil they turn to dust.
16. A strong wind will scatter themin all directions.Then you will celebrateand praise me, your Lord,the holy God of Israel.
17. When the poor and needyare dying of thirstand cannot find water,I, the Lord God of Israel,will come to their rescue.I won't forget them.
18. I will make rivers flowon mountain peaks.I will send streamsto fill the valleys.Dry and barren landwill flow with springsand become a lake.
19. I will fill the desertwith all kinds of trees—cedars, acacias, and myrtles;olive and cypress trees;fir trees and pines.
20. Everyone will see thisand know that I,the holy Lord God of Israel,created it all.
21. I am the Lord,the King of Israel!Come, argue your case with me.Present your evidence.
22. Come near me, you idols.Tell us about the past,and we will think about it.Tell us about the future,so we will knowwhat is going to happen.
23. Prove that you are godsby making your predictionscome true.Do something good or evil,so we can be amazedand terrified.
24. You idols are nothing,and you are powerless.To worship youwould be disgusting.