5. The Lord formed me in the womb to be his servantin order to bring Jacob back to himand gather Israel to him.(The Lord honors me,and my God has become my strength.)
6. Now, the Lord says,“You are not just my servantwho restores the tribes of Jacoband brings back those in Israel whom I have preserved.I have also made you a light for the nationsso that you would save people all over the world.”
7. The Lord is the defender of Israel, its Holy One.This is what the Lord says to the despised one, to the one scorned by the nation, to the slave of rulers:Kings will see ⌊you⌋ and stand.Princes will see ⌊you⌋ and bow.The Lord is faithful.The Holy One of Israel has chosen you.
8. This is what the Lord says:In the time of favor I will answer you.In the day of salvation I will help you.I will protect you.I will appoint you as my promise to the people.You will restore the land.You will make them inherit the desolate inheritance.
9. You will say to the prisoners, “Come out,”and to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.”They will graze along every path,and they will find pastures on every bare hill.