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.
10. They will never be hungry or thirsty,nor will the sun or the burning, hot wind strike them.The one who has compassion on them will lead themand guide them to springs.
11. I will turn all my mountains into roads,and my highways will be restored.
12. They will come from far away.They will come from the north and from the west,and they will come from the land of Sinim.
13. Sing with joy, you heavens!Rejoice, you earth!Break into shouts of joy, you mountains!The Lord has comforted his peopleand will have compassion on his humble people.
14. But Zion said, “The Lord has abandoned me.My Lord has forgotten me.”
15. Can a woman forget her nursing child?Will she have no compassion on the child from her womb?Although mothers may forget,I will not forget you.
16. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.Your walls are always in my presence.
17. Your children will hurry back.Those who destroyed you and laid waste to you will leave you.
18. Look up, look around, and watch!All of your children are gathering together and returning to you.“I solemnly swear as I live,” declares the Lord,“you will wear all of them like jewelsand display them on yourself as a bride would.”