4 I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is!I have used up my strength, but have accomplished nothing.”Yet I can trust the Lord to defend my cause;he will reward me for what I do.
5 Before I was born, the Lord appointed me;he made me his servant to bring back his people,to bring back the scattered people of Israel.The Lord gives me honor;he is the source of my strength.
6 The Lord said to me,“I have a greater task for you, my servant.Not only will you restore to greatnessthe people of Israel who have survived,but I will also make you a light to the nations—so that all the world may be saved.”
7 Israel's holy God and savior saysto the one who is deeply despised,who is hated by the nationsand is the servant of rulers:“Kings will see you releasedand will rise to show their respect;princes also will see it,and they will bow low to honor you.”This will happen because the Lord has chosen his servant;the holy God of Israel keeps his promises.
8 The Lord says to his people,“When the time comes to save you, I will show you favorand answer your cries for help.I will guard and protect youand through you make a covenant with all peoples.I will let you settle once againin your land that is now laid waste.
9 I will say to the prisoners, ‘Go free!’and to those who are in darkness,‘Come out to the light!’They will be like sheep that graze on the hills;
10 they will never be hungry or thirsty.Sun and desert heat will not hurt them,for they will be led by one who loves them.He will lead them to springs of water.