1 If you want to do rightand obey the Lord,follow Abraham's example.He was the rock from whichyou were chipped.
2 God chose Abraham and Sarahto be your ancestors.The Lord blessed Abraham,and from that one mancame many descendants.
3 Though Zion is in ruins,the Lord will bring comfort,and the city will be as lovelyas the garden of Edenthat he provided.Then Zion will celebrate;it will be thankfuland sing joyful songs.
4 The Lord says:You are my people and nation!So pay attention to me.My teaching will cause justiceto shine like a lightfor every nation.
5 Those who live across the seaare eagerly waitingfor me to rescue them.I am strong and ready;soon I will come to saveand to rule all nations.
6 Look closely at the sky!Stare at the earth.The sky will vanish like smoke;the earth will wear outlike clothes.Everyone on this earthwill die like flies.But my victory will last;my saving power never ends.
7 If you want to do rightand obey my teachingwith all your heart,then pay close attention.Don't be discouragedwhen others insult youand say hurtful things.
8 They will be eaten awaylike a moth-eaten coat.But my victory will last;my saving powerwill never end.
9 Wake up! Do something, Lord.Be strong and ready.Wake up! Do what you didfor our people long ago.Didn't you chop upRahab the monster?
10 Didn't you dry up the deep seaand make a road for your peopleto follow safely across?
11 Now those you have rescuedwill return to Jerusalem,singing on their way.They will be crownedwith great happiness,never again to be burdenedwith sadness and sorrow.
12 I am the Lord, the onewho encourages you.Why are you afraidof mere humans?They dry up and die like grass.
13 I spread out the heavensand laid foundationsfor the earth.But you have forgotten me,your Lord and Creator.All day long you were afraidof those who were angryand hoped to oppress you.Where are they now?
14 Everyone crying out in painwill be quickly set free;they will be rescuedfrom the power of deathand never go hungry.
15 I will help thembecause I am your God,the Lord All-Powerful,who makes the ocean roar.
16 I have told you what to say,and I will keep you safein the palm of my hand.I spread out the heavensand laid foundationsfor the earth.Now I say, “Jerusalem,your people are mine.”
17 Jerusalem, wake up! Stand up!You've drunk too muchfrom the cup filledwith the Lord's anger.You have swallowed every drop,and you can't walk straight.
18 Not one of your many childrenis there to guide youor to offer a helping hand.
19 You have been destroyedby war and by famine;I cannot comfort you.
20 The Lord your God is angry,and on every street corneryour children lie helpless,like deer trapped in nets.
21 You are in trouble and drunk,but not from wine.So pay close attention
22 to the Lord your God,who defends you and says,“I have taken from your handsthe cup filled with my angerthat made you drunk.You will never be forcedto drink it again.
23 Instead I will give itto your brutal enemies,who treated you like dirtand walked all over you.”