2 Who has awakened one from the eastand 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?
3 He pursues them and passes untouched,needing no path for his feet.
4 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!
5 The coastlands see and fear;the ends of the earth tremble;they draw near and arrive.
6 Each helps the other,each saying to the other, "Take courage!"
7 The craftsman encourages the metalworker;the one who smoothes with the hammerencourages the one who strikes the anvil,saying of the welding, "That’s good,"and strengthening it with nails so it won’t move.
8 But you, Israel my servant,Jacob, whom I have chosen,offspring of Abraham, whom I love,