7. The craftsman encourages the goldsmith,and the workman who smooths the metal with a hammer encourages the one who shapes the metal.He says, “This metal work is good.”He nails the statue to a base so it can’t fall over.
8. The Lord says, “People of Israel, you are my servants.People of Jacob, I chose you.You are from the family of my friend Abraham.
9. I took you from places far away on the earthand called you from a faraway country.I said, ‘You are my servants.’I have chosen you and have not turned against you.
10. So don’t worry, because I am with you.Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.I will make you strong and will help you;I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
11. “All those people who are angry with youwill be ashamed and disgraced.Those who are against youwill disappear and be lost.
12. You will look for your enemies,but you will not find them.Those who fought against youwill vanish completely.
13. I am the Lord your God,who holds your right hand,and I tell you, ‘Don’t be afraid.I will help you.’
14. You few people of Israel who are left,do not be afraid even though you are weak as a worm.I myself will help you,” says the Lord.“The one who saves you is the Holy One of Israel.
15. Look, I have made you like a new threshing boardwith many sharp teeth.So you will walk on mountains and crush them;you will make the hills like chaff.
16. You will throw them into the air, and the wind will carry them away;a windstorm will scatter them.Then you will be happy in the Lord;you will be proud of the Holy One of Israel.