1-3. Listen, far-flung islands,pay attention, faraway people:God put me to work from the day I was born.The moment I entered the world he named me.He gave me speech that would cut and penetrate.He kept his hand on me to protect me.He made me his straight arrowand hid me in his quiver.He said to me, “You’re my dear servant,Israel, through whom I’ll shine.”
4. But I said, “I’ve worked for nothing.I’ve nothing to show for a life of hard work.Nevertheless, I’ll let God have the last word.I’ll let him pronounce his verdict.”
7. God, Redeemer of Israel, The Holy of Israel,says to the despised one, kicked around by the nations,slave labor to the ruling class:“Kings will see, get to their feet—the princes, too—and then fall on their faces in homageBecause of God, who has faithfully kept his word,The Holy of Israel, who has chosen you.”
13. Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead!Mountains, send up cheers!God has comforted his people.He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.
14. But Zion said, “I don’t get it. God has left me.My Master has forgotten I even exist.”