³ A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
    the way^(A) for the Lord^[a];
make straight^(B) in the desert
    a highway for our God.^[b](C)

³ You will keep in perfect peace^(A)
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust^(B) in you.
⁴ Trust^(C) in the Lord forever,^(D)
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock^(E) eternal.

² Let the redeemed^(A) of the Lord tell their story—
    those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
³ those he gathered^(B) from the lands,
    from east and west, from north and south.^[a]

⁴ Some wandered in desert^(C) wastelands,
    finding no way to a city^(D) where they could settle.
⁵ They were hungry^(E) and thirsty,^(F)
    and their lives ebbed away.
⁶ Then they cried out^(G) to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
⁷ He led them by a straight way^(H)
    to a city^(I) where they could settle.
⁸ Let them give thanks^(J) to the Lord for his unfailing love^(K)
    and his wonderful deeds^(L) for mankind,

⁸ I cling to you;^(A)
    your right hand upholds me.^(B)

¹⁰ Listen, daughter,^(A) and pay careful attention:^(B)
    Forget your people^(C) and your father’s house.
¹¹ Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;^(D)
    honor^(E) him, for he is your lord.^(F)