4 Who was it that made this happen?Who has determined the course of history?I, the Lord, was there at the beginning,and I, the Lord, will be there at the end.
5 “The people of distant lands have seen what I have done;they are frightened and tremble with fear.So they all assemble and come.
6 The craftsmen help and encourage one another.
7 The carpenter says to the goldsmith, ‘Well done!’The man who beats the idol smoothencourages the one who nails it together.They say, ‘The soldering is good’ —and they fasten the idol in place with nails.
8 “But you, Israel my servant,you are the people that I have chosen,the descendants of Abraham, my friend.
9 I brought you from the ends of the earth;I called you from its farthest cornersand said to you, ‘You are my servant.’I did not reject you, but chose you.
10 Do not be afraid — I am with you!I am your God — let nothing terrify you!I will make you strong and help you;I will protect you and save you.