1 The Servant of the Lord
1 Listen to me, you islands; 1 hear this, you distant nations: 1 Before I was born the Lord called me; 1 from my birth he has made mention of my name.
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, 2 in the shadow of his hand he hid me; 2 he made me into a polished arrow 2 and concealed me in his quiver.
3 He said to me, "You are my servant, 3 Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."
4 But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; 4 I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. 4 Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, 4 and my reward is with my God."
5 And now the Lord says— 5 he who formed me in the womb to be his servant 5 to bring Jacob back to him 5 and gather Israel to himself, 5 for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord 5 and my God has been my strength—
6 he says: 6 "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant 6 to restore the tribes of Jacob 6 and bring back those of Israel I have kept. 6 I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, 6 that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
