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)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

Victor from the east

41 Be quiet before me, coastlands.
    Let the nations renew their strength.
    Let them approach and speak.
    Let’s draw near for a judgment.
Who has awakened one from the east
    and has authority to summon him to serve—
    giving him nations,
    conquering kings,
    making them like dust with his sword,
    like scattered straw with his bow?
He pursues them and passes untouched,
    needing no path for his feet.
Who has acted and who has done this,
    calling upon generation after generation since the beginning?
        I, the Lord, was first,
        and I will be the last!

Read full chapter