1. “Now, listen, Jacob my servant,Israel whom I have chosen!”
2. This is what the Lord, the one who made you, says – the one who formed you in the womb and helps you:“Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob,Jeshurun, whom I have chosen!
3. For I will pour water on the parched groundand cause streams to flow on the dry land.I will pour my spirit on your offspringand my blessing on your children.
4. They will sprout up like a tree in the grass,like poplars beside channels of water.
5. One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord,’and another will use the name ‘Jacob.’One will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’and use the name ‘Israel.’”
6. This is what the Lord, Israel’s king, says,their protector, the Lord who commands armies:“I am the first and I am the last,there is no God but me.
7. Who is like me? Let him make his claim!Let him announce it and explain it to me – since I established an ancient people – let them announce future events!
8. Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid!Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it?You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me?There is no other sheltering rock; I know of none.
9. All who form idols are nothing;the things in which they delight are worthless.Their witnesses cannot see;they recognize nothing, so they are put to shame.