But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.
terror and dread fell upon them. By the might of your arm they became silent like stone, while your people, Lord, passed over, while the people whom you created passed over.
When its boughs wither, they shall be broken off; and women shall come to kindle fires with them. For this is not an understanding people; therefore their maker shall not spare them; their creator shall not be gracious to them.
I, the Lord, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,
Go forth from Babylon, flee from Chaldea! With shouts of joy declare this, announce it; Make it known to the ends of the earth, Say: “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob.
I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as though with new wine. All flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am your savior, your redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
And forget the Lord, your maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of earth? All the day you are in constant dread of the fury of the oppressor When he prepares himself to destroy; but where is the oppressor’s fury?
in their every affliction. It was not an envoy or a messenger, but his presence that saved them. Because of his love and pity the Lord redeemed them, Lifting them up and carrying them all the days of old.
Have you not noticed what these people are saying: “The Lord has rejected the two tribes he had chosen”? They hold my people in contempt as if it were no longer a nation in their eyes.
then I will also reject the descendants of Jacob and of David my servant, no longer selecting from his descendants rulers for the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yes, I will restore their fortunes and show them mercy.
Strong is their Redeemer, whose name is Lord of hosts, The sure defender of their cause, who gives rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon.
I passed by you again and saw that you were now old enough for love. So I spread the corner of my cloak over you to cover your nakedness; I swore an oath to you and entered into covenant with you—oracle of the Lord God—and you became mine.
“Do not fear, beloved. Peace! Take courage and be strong.” When he spoke to me, I grew strong and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”
I will bring the one third through the fire; I will refine them as one refines silver, and I will test them as one tests gold. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them; I will say, “They are my people,” and they will say, “The Lord is my God.”
They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my own special possession, on the day when I take action. And I will have compassion on them, as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.
So Jacob ate and was satisfied, Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you became fat and gross and gorged. They forsook the God who made them and scorned the Rock of their salvation.
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, “The Lord knows those who are his”; and, “Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil.”
They sang a new hymn: “Worthy are you to receive the scroll and to break open its seals, for you were slain and with your blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.