4 Who caused this to happen?Who has controlled history since the beginning?I, the Lord, am the one. I was here at the beginning.And I will be here when all things are finished.”
5 All you faraway places, look and be afraid.All you places far away on the earth, shake with fear.Come close and listen to me.
6 The workers help each other.They say to each other, “Be strong!”
7 The man who carves wood encourages the man who works with gold.The workman who smooths the metal with a hammer encourages the man who shapes the metal.This last workman says, “This metal work is good.”He nails the statue to a base so it can’t fall over.
8 The Lord says, “People of Israel, you are my servants.People of Jacob, I chose you.You are from the family of my friend Abraham.
9 You were far away on the earth.I called you from a faraway country.I said, ‘You are my servants.’I have chosen you, and I have not turned against you.
10 So don’t worry, because I am with you.Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.I will make you strong and will help you.I will support you with my right hand that saves you.