1 The Lord says, “Listen to me,those of you who try to live right and follow the Lord.Look at the rock from which you were cut.Look at the stone quarry from which you were dug.
2 Look at Abraham, your ancestor.Look at Sarah, who gave birth to your ancestors.Abraham had no children when I called him.But I blessed him and gave him many descendants.
3 So the Lord will comfort Jerusalem.He will show mercy to those who live in her ruins.He will change her deserts into a garden like Eden.He will make her empty lands like the garden of the Lord.People there will be very happy.They will give thanks and sing songs.
4 “My people, listen to me.My nation, pay attention to me.I will give the people my teachings.And my decisions will be like a light to all people.
5 I will soon show I do what is right.I will soon save you.I will use my power and judge all nations.All the faraway places are waiting for me.They wait for my power to help them.
6 Look up to the heavens.Look around you at the earth below.The skies will disappear like clouds of smoke.The earth will become useless like old clothes.Its people will die like flies.But my salvation will continue forever.My goodness will never end.
7 “You people who know what is right should listen to me.You people who follow my teachings should hear what I say.Don’t be afraid of the evil things people say.Don’t be upset by their insults.