Isaiah 41:2-8

2“Who has raised up from the east someone to whom the Lord gives victory with every step he takes? Nations are handed over to him. He defeats kings. With his sword he turns them into dust. With his bow he turns them into straw blown by the wind.

3He chases them, marching by safely on a path his feet have never traveled before.

4Who has accomplished this? Who has determined the course of history from the beginning? I, the Lord, was there first, and I will be there to the end. I am the one!”

5The coastlands have seen him and are afraid. The ends of the earth tremble. They have come near and gathered together.

6People help their neighbors and say to their relatives, “Be brave!”

7Craftsmen encourage goldsmiths. Metalsmiths encourage blacksmiths who work at their anvils. They say that their soldering is good. And they fasten things with nails so they won’t move.

8“But you are my servant Israel, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the descendant of Abraham, my dear friend.