1. “Be silent before Me, islands! And let peoples renew their strength.Let them approach, then let them testify;let us come together for the trial.
2. Who has stirred him up from the east? He calls righteousness to his feet. The Lord hands nations over to him, and he subdues kings.He makes them like dust with his sword,like wind-driven stubble with his bow.
3. He pursues them, going on safely,hardly touching the path with his feet.
4. Who has performed and done this,calling the generations from the beginning?I, Yahweh, am the first,and with the last — I am He.”
5. The islands see and are afraid,the whole earth trembles. They approach and arrive.
6. Each one helps the other,and says to another, “Take courage! ”
7. The craftsman encourages the metalworker; the one who flattens with the hammersupports the one who strikes the anvil,saying of the soldering, “It is good.”He fastens it with nails so that it will not fall over.
8. But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, My friend —
9. I brought you from the ends of the earthand called you from its farthest corners.I said to you: You are My servant;I have chosen you and not rejected you.
10. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you;I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.
11. Be sure that all who are enraged against youwill be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with youwill become as nothing and will perish.
12. You will look for those who contend with you,but you will not find them.Those who war against youwill become absolutely nothing.