1. Now this is what the Lord says.He created you, people of Jacob.He formed you, people of Israel.He says, “Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you.I have called you by name, and you are mine.
2. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.When you cross rivers, you will not drown.When you walk through fire, you will not be burned.The flames will not hurt you.
3. This is because I, the Lord, am your God.I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior.I gave Egypt to pay for you.I gave Cush and Seba to make you mine.
4. You are precious to me.I give you honor, and I love you.So I will give other people in your place.I will give other nations to save your life.
5. So don’t be afraid. I am with you.I will gather your children from the east.I will gather you from the west.
6. I will tell the north: Give my people to me.I will tell the south: Don’t keep my people in prison.Bring my sons from far away.Bring my daughters from faraway places.
7. Bring to me all the people who are mine.I made them for my glory.I formed them; I made them.”
8. Bring out the people who have eyes but don’t see.Bring out those who have ears but don’t hear.
9. All the nations should gather together.All the people should come together.Which of their gods said that this would happen?Which of their gods can tell what happened in the beginning?They should bring their witnesses to prove they were right.Then others will say, “It is true.”
10. The Lord says, “You are my witnesses.You are the servant I chose.I chose you so you would know and believe me.I chose you so you would understand that I am the true God.There was no God before me,and there will be no God after me.
11. I myself am the Lord.I am the only Savior.
12. I myself have spoken to you, saved you and told you these things.It was not some foreign god among you.You are my witnesses, and I am God,”says the Lord.
13. “I have always been God.No one can save people from my power.When I do something, no one can change it.”
14. This is what the Lord says.He is the Holy One of Israel who saves you.He says, “I will send armies to Babylon for you.All the Babylonians will be captured.They will be taken away in their ships they are proud of.
15. I am the Lord, your Holy One.I made Israel. I am your king.”
16. This is what the Lord says.He is the one who made a road through the sea.Even through rough waters he made a path for his people.