11. Thus says the Lord,the Holy One of Israel, his maker:Do you question me about my children,tell me how to treat the work of my hands?
12. It was I who made the earthand created the people upon it;It was my hands that stretched out the heavens;I gave the order to all their host.
13. It was I who stirred him up for justice;all his ways I make level.He shall rebuild my cityand let my exiles go freeWithout price or payment,says the Lord of hosts.
14. Thus says the Lord:The earnings of Egypt, the gain of Ethiopia,and the Sabeans, tall of stature,Shall come over to you and belong to you;they shall follow you, coming in chains.Before you they shall bow down,saying in prayer:“With you alone is God; and there is none other,no other god!
15. Truly with you God is hidden,the God of Israel, the savior!
16. They are put to shame and disgrace, all of them;they go in disgrace who carve images.
17. Israel has been saved by the Lord,saved forever!You shall never be put to shame or disgracein any future age.”
18. For thus says the Lord,The creator of the heavens,who is God,The designer and maker of the earthwho established it,Not as an empty waste did he create it,but designing it to be lived in:I am the Lord, and there is no other.
19. I have not spoken in secretfrom some place in the land of darkness,I have not said to the descendants of Jacob,“Look for me in an empty waste.”I, the Lord, promise justice,I declare what is right.
20. Come and assemble, gather together,you fugitives from among the nations!They are without knowledge who bear wooden idolsand pray to gods that cannot save.