1. Everyone, listen,even you foreign nationsacross the sea.The Lord chose meand gave me a namebefore I was born.
2. He made my words piercelike a sharp swordor a pointed arrow;he kept me safely hiddenin the palm of his hand.
3. The Lord said to me,“Israel, you are my servant;and because of youI will be highly honoured.”
4. I said to myself,“I'm completely worn out;my time has been wasted.But I did it for the Lord God,and he will reward me.”
5. Even before I was born,the Lord God chose meto serve him and to lead backthe people of Israel.So the Lord has honoured meand made me strong.
6. Now the Lord says to me,“It isn't enough for youto be merely my servant.You must do more than lead backsurvivors from the tribesof Israel.I have placed you here as a lightfor other nations;you must take my saving powerto everyone on earth.”
7. Israel, I am the holy Lord God,the one who rescues you.You are slaves of rulersand of a nationwho despises you.Now this is what I promise:kings and rulers will honour youby kneeling at your feet.You can trust me! I am your Lord,the holy God of Israel,and you are my chosen ones.
8. This is what the Lord says:I will answer your prayersbecause I have set a timewhen I will helpby coming to save you.I have chosen youto take my promise of hopeto other nations.You will rebuild the countryfrom its ruins,then people will comeand settle there.
9. You will set prisoners freefrom dark dungeonsto see the light of day.On their way home,they will find plenty to eat,even on barren hills.
10. They won't go hungryor get thirsty;they won't be botheredby the scorching sunor hot desert winds.I will be mercifulwhile leading them alongto streams of water.
11. I will level the mountainsand make roads.
12. Then my people will returnfrom distant landsin the north and the westand from the city of Syene.
13. Tell the heavens and the earthto celebrate and sing;command every mountainto join in the song.The Lord's people have suffered,but he has shown mercyand given them comfort.
14. The people of Zion said,“The Lord has turned awayand forgotten us.”
15. The Lord answered,“Could a mother forget a childwho nurses at her breast?Could she fail to love an infantwho came from her own body?Even if a mother could forget,I will never forget you.
16. A picture of your cityis drawn on my hand.You are always in my thoughts!