Isaiah 49:5–8

⁵The Lord formed me in my mother’s body to be his servant.

He wanted me to bring the family of Jacob back to him.

He wanted me to gather the people of Israel to himself.

The Lord will honor me.

My God will give me strength.

⁶The Lord says to me,

“It is not enough for you as my servant

to bring the tribes of Jacob back to their land.

It is not enough for you to bring back

the people of Israel I have kept alive.

I will also make you a light for other nations.

Then you will make it possible for the whole world to be saved.”

⁷The Lord sets his people free.

He is the Holy One of Israel.

He speaks to his servant, who is looked down on and hated by the nations.

He speaks to the servant of rulers. He says to him,

“Kings will see you and rise up to honor you.

Princes will see you and bow down to show you their respect.

I am the Lord. I am faithful.

I am the Holy One of Israel.

I have chosen you.”

Israel Is Brought Back to Their Land

⁸The Lord says to his servant,

“When it is time to show you my favor, I will answer your prayers.

When it is time to save you, I will help you.

I will keep you safe.

You will put my covenant with the people of Israel into effect.

Then their land will be made like new again.

Each tribe will be sent back to its territory that was left empty.