2. Think of your ancestor, Abraham,and of Sarah, from whom you are descended.When I called Abraham, he was childless,but I blessed him and gave him children;I made his descendants numerous.
3. “I will show compassion to Jerusalem,to all who live in her ruins.Though her land is a desert, I will make it a garden,like the garden I planted in Eden.Joy and gladness will be there,and songs of praise and thanks to me.
4. “Listen to me, my people,listen to what I say:I give my teaching to the nations;my laws will bring them light.
5. I will come quickly and save them;the time of my victory is near.I myself will rule over the nations.Distant lands wait for me to come;they wait with hope for me to save them.
6. Look up at the heavens; look at the earth!The heavens will disappear like smoke;the earth will wear out like old clothing,and all its people will die like flies.But the deliverance I bring will last for ever;my victory will be final.
7. “Listen to me, you that know what is right,who have my teaching fixed in your hearts.Do not be afraid when people taunt and insult you;
8. they will vanish like moth-eaten clothing!But the deliverance I bring will last for ever;my victory will endure for all time.”
9. Wake up, Lord, and help us!Use your power and save us;use it as you did in ancient times.It was you that cut the sea monster Rahab to pieces.