Isaiah 49:1–7

Israel, A Light to the Nations

49^*Listen to me, distant nations,

you people who live far away!

Before I was born, the Lord chose me

and appointed me to be his servant.

^2*

He made my words as sharp as a sword.

With his own hand he protected me.^z He made me like an arrow,

sharp and ready for use.

³He said to me, “Israel, you are my servant;

because of you, people will praise me.”

⁴I 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.

⁵Before 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 greatness

the 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.”

⁷Israel’s holy God and saviour says

to the one who is deeply despised,

who is hated by the nations

and is the servant of rulers:

“Kings will see you released and 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.