Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Listen to me, distant nations, 1 you people who live far away! Before I was born, the Lord chose me and appointed me to be his servant.
2 He made my words as sharp as a sword. 2 With his own hand he protected me. He made me like an arrow, sharp and ready for use.
3 He said to me, "Israel, you are my servant; because of you, people will praise me."
4 I said, "I have worked, but how hopeless it is! I have used up my strength, but have accomplished nothing." Yet I can trust the Lord to defend my cause; he will reward me for what I do.
5 Before I was born, the Lord appointed me; he made me his servant to bring back his people, to bring back the scattered people of Israel. The Lord gives me honor; he is the source of my strength.
6 The Lord said to me, 3 "I have a greater task for you, my servant. Not only will you restore to greatness the people of Israel who have survived, but I will also make you a light to the nations - so that all the world may be saved."
7 Israel's holy God and savior says to the one who is deeply despised, who is hated by the nations and is the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you released and will rise to show their respect; princes also will see it, and they will bow low to honor you." This will happen because the Lord has chosen his servant; the holy God of Israel keeps his promises.

Cross References 3

  • 1. 49.1Jeremiah 1.5.
  • 2. 49.2Hebrews 4.12;Revelation 1.16.
  • 3. 49.6 aIsaiah 42.6;Luke 2.32;Acts 26.23; bActs 13.47.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. With his own hand . . . me; [or] He kept me hidden in his hand.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.