1. All of you people in faraway places, listen to me.Listen, all you nations far away.Before I was born, the Lord called me to serve him.The Lord named me while I was still in my mother’s body.
2. The Lord made my tongue like a sharp sword.He hid me in the shadow of his hand.The Lord made me like a sharp arrow.He hid me in the holder for his arrows.
3. The Lord told me, “Israel, you are my servant.I will show my glory through you.”
4. But I said, “I have worked hard for nothing.I have used all my power, but I did nothing useful.But the Lord will decide what my work is worth.God will decide my reward.”
5. The Lord made me in the body of my motherso I would be his servant.He made me to lead the people of Jacob back to him.He made me so that Israel might be gathered to him.The Lord will honor me.I will get my strength from my God.