Isaiah 42:1-9

New International Reader's Version

The Lord’s Chosen Servant

42 “Here is my servant. I take good care of him.
    I have chosen him. I am very pleased with him.
I will put my Spirit on him.
    He will bring justice to the nations.
²He will not shout or cry out.
    He will not raise his voice in the streets.
³He will not break a bent twig.
    He will not put out a dimly burning flame.
He will be faithful and make everything right.
⁴    He will not grow weak or lose hope.
He will not give up until he brings justice to the earth.
    The islands will put their hope in his teaching.”

⁵God created the heavens and stretches them out.
    The Lord spreads out the earth with everything that grows on it.
    He gives breath to its people.
He gives life to those who walk on it.
    He says to his servant,
⁶“I, the Lord, have chosen you to do what is right.
    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you safe.
    You will put into effect my covenant with the people of Israel.
    And you will be a light for the Gentiles.
⁷You will open eyes that can’t see.
    You will set prisoners free.
    Those who sit in darkness will come out of their cells.

⁸“I am the Lord. That is my name!
    I will not let any other god share my glory.
    I will not let statues of gods share my praise.
⁹What I said would happen has taken place.
    Now I announce new things to you.
Before they even begin to happen,
    I announce them to you.”