The Future Redemption of Israel

1But now this is what the LORD says,

the one who created you, Jacob,

the one who formed you, Israel:

“Do not be afraid, because I’ve redeemed you.

I’ve called you by name;

you are mine.

2When you pass through the waters, I’ll be with you;

and through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you.

when you walk through fire you won’t be scorched,

and the flame won’t set you ablaze.

3“Ia am the LORD your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Redeemer.b

Andc I’ve given Egypt as your ransom,d

Cush and the people of Sebae in exchange for you.

4Since you’re precious in my sight

and honored,

and because I love you,

I’m giving up people in your place,

and nations in exchange for your life.”

The Regathering of Israel

5“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you;

I’ll bring your children from the east,

and gather you from the west.

6I’ll say to the north,

‘Give them up’!

and to the south,

‘Don’t keep them back!’

Bringf my sons from far away

and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7everyone who is called by my name,

whom I created for my glory,

whomg I formed and made.

8“Bring out the people who are blind, yet still have eyes,

who are deaf, yet still have ears!

9Let all the nations be gathered together,

and let the peoples be assembled.

“Who is there among them whoh can declare this,

or announcei the former things?

Let them produce their witnesses to prove them right,

and let them proclaimj so people will say, ‘It’s true.’

10“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,

“and my servant whom I have chosen,

so that you may know and trust me

and understand that I am the One.k

Before me no God was formed,

nor will there be one after me.

11I, yes I, am the LORD,

and apart from me there is no savior.

12I’ve revealed and saved and proclaimed,

when there was no foreign god among you —

and you are my witnesses,” declares the LORD.

13“I am God; alsol from ancient daysm I am the one.

And there is no one who can deliver out of my hand;

when I act, who can reverse it?”

14This is what the LORD says,

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“For your sake I will send to Babylon,n

and bring them all down as fugitives.

Now as for the Babylonians,

their ringing cry will become lamentation.

15I am the LORD, your Holy One,

Creator of Israel, and your King.”

Something New for Israel

16This is what the LORD says —

who makes a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

17who brings out chariots and horsemen,

ando armies and warriors at the same time.

They lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a candle:p

18“Don’t rememberq the former things;

don’t dwell on things past.

19Watch! I’m about to carry out something new!

Andr now it’s springing up—

don’t you recognize it?

I’m making a way in the wilderness

and pathss in the desert.

20Wild animals, jackals, and owlst will honor me

because I provideu water in the desert

and streams in the wilderness

to give drink to my people, my chosen ones,v

21the people whom I formed for myself

andw so that they may speakx my praise.”

God is Weary of Israel

22 “Andy yet you didn’t call upon me, Jacob;

indeed, you are tired of me, Israel!

23You haven’t brought me your sheep for a burnt-offering,z

nor have you honored me withaa your sacrifices,

nor have you made meal offerings for mebb —

yet I have not tired you about incense!

24Youcc haven’t bought me sweet cane with money,

nor have you satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices.

You have only burdened me with your sins

and made me tired with your iniquities.

25“I, I am the one

who blots out your transgressiondd for my own sake,

and I’ll remember your sins no more.ee

26Recount the brief!

Let’s argue the matter together;

Present your case,

so that you may be proved right.

27Your first ancestor sinned,

and your mediators rebelled against me.

28So I’ll disgrace the leaders of the Temple,

and I’ll consign Jacob to total destructionff

and Israel to contempt.