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.”
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.”
15-18. “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,walk away from the baby she bore?But even if mothers forget,I’d never forget you—never.Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands.The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.Your builders are faster than your wreckers.The demolition crews are gone for good.Look up, look around, look well!See them all gathering, coming to you?As sure as I am the living God”—God’s Decree—“you’re going to put them on like so much jewelry,you’re going to use them to dress up like a bride.