Isaiah 41:2-8

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  —