Isaiah 49:8-16

8This is what the Lord says: In the time of favor I will answer you. In the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you. I will appoint you as my promise  to the people. You will restore the land. You will make them inherit the desolate inheritance.

9You will say to the prisoners, “Come out,” and to those who are in darkness, “Show yourselves.” They will graze along every path, and they will find pastures on every bare hill.

10They will never be hungry or thirsty, nor will the sun or the burning, hot wind strike them. The one who has compassion on them will lead them and guide them to springs.

11I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be restored.

12They will come from far away. They will come from the north and from the west, and they will come from the land of Sinim.

13Sing with joy, you heavens! Rejoice, you earth! Break into shouts of joy, you mountains! The Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his humble people.

14But Zion said, “The Lord has abandoned me. My Lord has forgotten me.”

15Can a woman forget her nursing child? Will she have no compassion on the child from her womb? Although mothers may forget, I will not forget you.

16I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are always in my presence.