⁴ And now, Eternal One, some are held captive and poor.
    Release them, and restore our fortunes
    as the dry riverbeds of the South spring to life when the rains come at last.
⁵ Those who walk the fields to sow, casting their seed in tears,
    will one day tread those same long rows, amazed by what’s appeared.
⁶ Those who weep as they walk
    and plant with sighs
Will return singing with joy,
    when they bring home the harvest.

43 Eternal One: Remember who created you, O Jacob?
        Who shaped you, O Israel?
    See, you have nothing to fear. I, who made you, will take you back.
        I have chosen you, named you as My own.
²     When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm;
        you will not be engulfed in raging rivers.
    If it seems like you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs,
        keep going; you won’t be burned.
³     Because I, the Eternal One, am your God.
        I am the Holy One of Israel, and I will save you.
    I have traded in nations to win you back,
        Egypt, Cush, and Seba, in exchange for your freedom.
⁴     Because you are special to Me and I love you,
        I gladly give up other peoples in exchange for you;
    They are trivial by comparison to your weighty significance.

^5-6     So don’t be afraid. I am here.
        I will reunite you with your children,
        bringing them back from wherever in the world they are—East, West, North, or South.
    No place will be able to hold you when I demand your release, when I order them,
        “Bring My children—My sons and daughters—from far away.
⁷     Bring the ones who are called by My name;
        the ones I made, shaped, and created for My profound glory.”