Isaiah 41:1-14

1“Be silent before me, coasts and islands! And let peoples renew their strength. Let them approach; let them testify; let’s come together for the trial.

2Who has stirred up someone from the east? In righteousness he calls him to serve. The Lord hands nations over to him, and he subdues kings. He makes them like dust with his sword, like wind-driven stubble with his bow.

3He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet.

4Who has performed and done this, calling the generations from the beginning? I am the Lord, the first and with the last  — I am he.”

5The coasts and islands see and are afraid, the whole earth trembles. They approach and arrive.

6Each one helps the other, and says to another, “Take courage!”

7The craftsman encourages the metalworker; the one who flattens with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good.” He fastens it with nails so that it will not fall over.

8But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend  —

9I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you.

10Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

11Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish.

12You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing.

13For I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.

14Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel. I will help you” — this is the Lord’s declaration. Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.