Isaiah 49:5-7

New International Reader's Version

⁵The Lord formed me in my mother’s body to be his servant.
    He wanted me to bring the family of Jacob back to him.
He wanted me to gather the people of Israel to himself.
    The Lord will honor me.
    My God will give me strength.

⁶Here is what the Lord says to me.

“It is not enough for you as my servant
    to bring the tribes of Jacob back to their land.
It is not enough for you to bring back
    the people of Israel I have kept alive.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles.
    Then you will make it possible for the whole world to be saved.”

⁷The Lord sets his people free.
    He is the Holy One of Israel.
He speaks to his servant, who is looked down on and hated by the nations.
    He speaks to the servant of rulers. He says to him,
“Kings will see you and stand up to honor you.
    Princes will see you and bow down to show you their respect.
I am the Lord. I am faithful.
    I am the Holy One of Israel.
    I have chosen you.”