1. Listen to me, you islands.Pay attention, you people far away.Before I was born, the Lord chose me.While I was in my mother’s womb, he recorded my name.
2. He made my tongue like a sharp swordand hid me in the palm of his hand.He made me like a sharpened arrowand hid me in his quiver.
3. He said to me,“You are my servant Israel.I will display my glory through you.”
4. But I said,“I have worked hard for nothing.I have used my strength, but I didn’t accomplish anything.Yet, certainly my case is in the Lord’s hands,and my reward is with my God.”