The Lord versus the Nations’ Gods

41 “Be silent before me, coasts and islands!(A)
And let peoples renew their strength.
Let them approach; let them testify;
let’s come together for the trial.
Who has stirred up someone from the east?(B)
In righteousness he calls him to serve.[a][b](C)
The Lord hands nations over to him,(D)
and he subdues kings.
He makes them like dust with his sword,
like wind-driven stubble with his bow.
He pursues them, going on safely,
hardly touching the path with his feet.
Who has performed and done this,
calling the generations from the beginning?
I am the Lord, the first
and with the last(E)—I am he.”(F)

The coasts and islands see and are afraid,
the whole earth trembles.(G)
They approach and arrive.
Each one helps the other,
and says to another, “Take courage!”
The craftsman encourages the metalworker;(H)
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.(I)

But you, Israel, my servant,(J)
Jacob, whom I have chosen,(K)
descendant of Abraham, my friend(L)
I brought[c] you from the ends of the earth
and called you from its farthest corners.
I said to you: You are my servant;
I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you.(M)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 41:2 Or Righteousness calls him to serve
  2. 41:2 Lit to his foot
  3. 41:9 Or seized

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, brown mountains
CSB Explorer Bible for Kids--soft leather-look, brown mountains
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $22.50
Save: $22.49 (50%)
CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, navy blue with cross
CSB Everyday Study Bible--soft leather-look, navy blue with cross
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $20.21
Save: $14.78 (42%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Thinline Bible--LeatherTouch, charcoal
CSB Thinline Bible--LeatherTouch, charcoal
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $11.43
Save: $13.56 (54%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament--hardcover
CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament--hardcover
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $29.70
Save: $15.29 (34%)
CSB Invitation New Testament, Case of 108
CSB Invitation New Testament, Case of 108
Retail: $106.92
Our Price: $78.99
Save: $27.93 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars