1 The Helper of Israel
1 "Be silent before me, you islands! 1 Let the nations renew their strength! 1 Let them come forward and speak; 1 let us meet together at the place of judgment.
2 "Who has stirred up one from the east, 2 calling him in righteousness to his service[a] ? 2 He hands nations over to him 2 and subdues kings before him. 2 He turns them to dust with his sword, 2 to windblown chaff with his bow.
3 He pursues them and moves on unscathed, 3 by a path his feet have not traveled before.
4 Who has done this and carried it through, 4 calling forth the generations from the beginning? 4 I, the Lord—with the first of them 4 and with the last—I am he."
5 The islands have seen it and fear; 5 the ends of the earth tremble. 5 They approach and come forward; 6 each helps the other 6 and says to his brother, "Be strong!"
7 The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, 7 and he who smooths with the hammer 7 spurs on him who strikes the anvil. 7 He says of the welding, "It is good." 7 He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
