Isaiah 49:8-13

New International Reader's Version

“When it is time to have mercy on you, I will answer your prayers.
    When it is time to save you, I will help you.
I will keep you safe.
    You will put into effect my covenant with the people of Israel.
Then their land will be made like new again.
    Each tribe will be sent back to its territory that was left empty.
⁹ I want you to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out.’
    Tell those who are in their dark cells, ‘You are free!’

“On their way home they will eat beside the roads.
    They will find plenty to eat on every bare hill.
¹⁰ They will not get hungry or thirsty.
    The heat from the desert sun will not beat down on them.
The God who has tender love for them will guide them.
    Like a shepherd, he will lead them beside springs of water.
¹¹ I will make roads across the mountains.
    I will build wide roads for my people.
¹² They will come from far away.
    Some of them will come from the north.
Others will come from the west.
    Still others will come from Aswan in the south.”

¹³ Shout for joy, you heavens!
    Be glad, you earth!
    Burst into song, you mountains!
The Lord will comfort his people.
    He will show his tender love to those who are suffering.