1. Listen to me, distant nations,you people who live far away!Before I was born, the Lord chose meand appointed me to be his servant.
2. He made my words as sharp as a sword.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 honour;he is the source of my strength.
6. The Lord said to me,“I have a greater task for you, my servant.Not only will you restore to greatnessthe 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 saviour saysto the one who is deeply despised,who is hated by the nationsand is the servant of rulers:“Kings will see you releasedand will rise to show their respect;princes also will see it,and they will bow low to honour you.”This will happen because the Lord has chosen his servant;the holy God of Israel keeps his promises.