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.”