Isaiah 49:1-7

New International Reader's Version

The Servant of the Lord

49 People who live on the islands, listen to me.
    Pay attention, you nations far away.
Before I was born the Lord chose me to serve him.
    Before I was born the Lord spoke my name.
²He made my words like a sharp sword.
    He hid me in the palm of his hand.
He made me into a sharpened arrow.
    He took good care of me and kept me safe.
³He said to me, “You are my true servant Israel.
    I will show my glory through you.”
⁴But I said, “In spite of my hard work,
    I feel as if I haven’t accomplished anything.
I’ve used up all my strength.
    It seems as if everything I’ve done is worthless.
But the Lord will give me what I should receive.
    My God will reward me.”

⁵The Lord formed me in my mother’s body to be his servant.
    He wanted me to bring the family of Jacob back to him.
He wanted me to gather the people of Israel to himself.
    The Lord will honor me.
    My God will give me strength.

⁶Here is what the Lord says to me.

“It is not enough for you as my servant
    to bring the tribes of Jacob back to their land.
It is not enough for you to bring back
    the people of Israel I have kept alive.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles.
    Then you will make it possible for the whole world to be saved.”

⁷The Lord sets his people free.
    He is the Holy One of Israel.
He speaks to his servant, who is looked down on and hated by the nations.
    He speaks to the servant of rulers. He says to him,
“Kings will see you and stand up to honor you.
    Princes will see you and bow down to show you their respect.
I am the Lord. I am faithful.
    I am the Holy One of Israel.
    I have chosen you.”