Isa.41.1

"Quiet down, far-flung ocean islands. Listen! Sit down and rest, everyone. Recover your strength. Gather around me. Say what's on your heart. Together let's decide what's right.

Isa.41.1

"Be silent before me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment.

Isa.41.1

"Keep silence before Me, O coastlands, And let the people renew their strength! Let them come near, then let them speak; Let us come near together for judgment.

Isa.41.1

"Listen in silence before me, you lands beyond the sea. Bring your strongest arguments. Come now and speak. The court is ready for your case.

Isa.41.2

"Who got things rolling here, got this champion from the east on the move? Who recruited him for this job, then rounded up and corralled the nations so he could run roughshod over kings? He's off and running, pulverizing nations into dust, leaving only stubble and chaff in his wake.

Isa.41.2

"Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.

Isa.41.2

"Who raised up one from the east? Who in righteousness called him to His feet? Who gave the nations before him, And made him rule over kings? Who gave them as the dust to his sword, As driven stubble to his bow?

Isa.41.2

"Who has stirred up this king from the east, who meets victory at every step? Who, indeed, but the LORD? He gives him victory over many nations and permits him to trample their kings underfoot. He puts entire armies to the sword. He scatters them in the wind with his bow.

Isa.41.3

He chases them and comes through unscathed, his feet scarcely touching the path.

Isa.41.3

He pursues them and moves on unscathed, by a path his feet have not traveled before.

Isa.41.3

Who pursued them, and passed safely By the way that he had not gone with his feet?

Isa.41.3

He chases them away and goes on safely, though he is walking over unfamiliar ground.

Isa.41.4

"Who did this? Who made it happen? Who always gets things started? I did. GOD. I'm first on the scene. I'm also the last to leave.

Isa.41.4

Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD -with the first of them and with the last-I am he."

Isa.41.4

Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? "I, the LORD, am the first; And with the last I am He."'

Isa.41.4

Who has done such mighty deeds, directing the affairs of the human race as each new generation marches by? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he."

Isa.41.5

"Far-flung ocean islands see it and panic. The ends of the earth are shaken. Fearfully they huddle together.

Isa.41.5

The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward;

Isa.41.5

The coastlands saw it and feared, The ends of the earth were afraid; They drew near and came.

Isa.41.5

The lands beyond the sea watch in fear. Remote lands tremble and mobilize for war.

Isa.41.6

They try to help each other out, making up stories in the dark.

Isa.41.6

each helps the other and says to his brother, "Be strong!"

Isa.41.6

Everyone helped his neighbor, And said to his brother, "Be of good courage!"

Isa.41.6

They encourage one another with the words, "Be strong!"

Isa.41.7

The godmakers in the workshops go into overtime production, crafting new models of no-gods, Urging one another on--"Good job!'"Great design!'- pounding in nails at the base so that the things won't tip over.

Isa.41.7

The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer spurs on him who strikes the anvil. He says of the welding, "It is good." He nails down the idol so it will not topple.

Isa.41.7

So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; He who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, Saying, "It is ready for the soldering"; Then he fastened it with pegs, That it might not totter.

Isa.41.7

The craftsmen rush to make new idols. The carver hurries the goldsmith, and the molder helps at the anvil. "Good," they say. "It's coming along fine." Carefully they join the parts together, then fasten the thing in place so it won't fall over.

Isa.41.8

"But you, Israel, are my servant. You're Jacob, my first choice, descendants of my good friend Abraham.

Isa.41.8

"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,

Isa.41.8

"But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.

Isa.41.8

"But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from my friend Abraham,

Isa.41.9

I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, Telling you, "You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'

Isa.41.9

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

Isa.41.9

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, "You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away:

Isa.41.9

I have called you back from the ends of the earth so you can serve me. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.

Isa.41.10

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Isa.41.10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isa.41.10

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Isa.41.10

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isa.41.11

"Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you will end up out in the cold--real losers. Those who worked against you will end up empty--handed--nothing to show for their lives.

Isa.41.11

"All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.

Isa.41.11

"Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish.

Isa.41.11

"See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and ashamed. Anyone who opposes you will die.

Isa.41.12

When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won't find them--Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory.

Isa.41.12

Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.

Isa.41.12

You shall seek them and not find them-- Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing.

Isa.41.12

You will look for them in vain. They will all be gone!

Isa.41.13

That's right. Because I, your GOD, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, "Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.'

Isa.41.13

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Isa.41.13

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you.'

Isa.41.13

I am holding you by your right hand--I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, `Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.

Isa.41.14

"Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob? Don't be afraid. Feel like a fragile insect, Israel? I'll help you. I, GOD, want to reassure you. The God who buys you back, The Holy of Israel.

Isa.41.14

Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you," declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isa.41.14

"Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel! I will help you," says the LORD And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isa.41.14

Despised though you are, O Israel, don't be afraid, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.'

Isa.41.15

I'm transforming you from worm to harrow, from insect to iron. As a sharp-toothed harrow you'll smooth out the mountains, turn those tough old hills into loamy soil.

Isa.41.15

"See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff.

Isa.41.15

"Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; You shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, And make the hills like chaff.

Isa.41.15

You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. You will tear all your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains.

Isa.41.16

You'll open the rough ground to the weather, to the blasts of sun and wind and rain. But you'll be confident and exuberant, expansive in The Holy of Israel!

Isa.41.16

You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away. But you will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Isa.41.16

You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away, And the whirlwind shall scatter them; You shall rejoice in the LORD, And glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Isa.41.16

You will toss them in the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. And the joy of the LORD will fill you to overflowing. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Isa.41.17

"The poor and homeless are desperate for water, their tongues parched and no water to be found. But I'm there to be found, I'm there for them, and I, God of Israel, will not leave them thirsty.

Isa.41.17

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

Isa.41.17

"The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the LORD, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

Isa.41.17

"When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never forsake them.

Isa.41.18

I'll open up rivers for them on the barren hills, spout fountains in the valleys. I'll turn the baked-clay badlands into a cool pond, the waterless waste into splashing creeks.

Isa.41.18

I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.

Isa.41.18

I will open rivers in desolate heights, And fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, And the dry land springs of water.

Isa.41.18

I will open up rivers for them on high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. In the deserts they will find pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the dry, parched ground.

Isa.41.19

I'll plant the red cedar in that treeless wasteland, also acacia, myrtle, and olive. I'll place the cypress in the desert, with plenty of oaks and pines.

Isa.41.19

I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set pines in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,

Isa.41.19

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together,

Isa.41.19

I will plant trees--cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine--on barren land.

Isa.41.20

Everyone will see this. No one can miss it--unavoidable, indisputable evidence That I, GOD, personally did this. It's created and signed by The Holy of Israel.

Isa.41.20

so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Isa.41.20

That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Isa.41.20

Everyone will see this miracle and understand that it is the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, who did it.

Isa.41.21

"Set out your case for your gods," says GOD. "Bring your evidence," says the King of Jacob.

Isa.41.21

"Present your case," says the LORD. "Set forth your arguments," says Jacob's King.

Isa.41.21

"Present your case," says the LORD. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob.

Isa.41.21

"Can your idols make such claims as these? Let them come and show what they can do!" says the LORD, the King of Israel.

Isa.41.22

"Take the stand on behalf of your idols, offer arguments, assemble reasons. Spread out the facts before us so that we can assess them ourselves. Ask them, "If you are gods, explain what the past means--

Isa.41.22

"Bring in your idols to tell us what is going to happen. Tell us what the former things were, so that we may consider them and know their final outcome. Or declare to us the things to come,

Isa.41.22

"Let them bring forth and show us what will happen; Let them show the former things, what they were, That we may consider them, And know the latter end of them; Or declare to us things to come.

Isa.41.22

"Let them try to tell us what happened long ago or what the future holds.

Isa.41.23

or, failing that, tell us what will happen in the future. Can't do that? How about doing something--anything! Good or bad--whatever. Can you hurt us or help us? Do we need to be afraid?'

Isa.41.23

tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.

Isa.41.23

Show the things that are to come hereafter, That we may know that you are gods; Yes, do good or do evil, That we may be dismayed and see it together.

Isa.41.23

Yes, that's it! If you are gods, tell what will occur in the days ahead. Or perform a mighty miracle that will fill us with amazement and fear. Do something, whether good or bad!

Isa.41.24

They say nothing, because they are nothing--sham gods, no-gods, fool-making gods.

Isa.41.24

But you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless; he who chooses you is detestable.

Isa.41.24

Indeed you are nothing, And your work is nothing; He who chooses you is an abomination.

Isa.41.24

But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Anyone who chooses you becomes filthy, just like you!

Isa.41.25

"I, God, started someone out from the north and he's come. He was called out of the east by name. He'll stomp the rulers into the mud the way a potter works the clay.

Isa.41.25

"I have stirred up one from the north, and he comes- one from the rising sun who calls on my name. He treads on rulers as if they were mortar, as if he were a potter treading the clay.

Isa.41.25

"I have raised up one from the north, And he shall come; From the rising of the sun he shall call on My name; And he shall come against princes as though mortar, As the potter treads clay.

Isa.41.25

"But I have stirred up a leader from the north and east. He will come against the nations and call on my name, and I will give him victory over kings and princes. He will trample them as a potter treads on clay.

Isa.41.26

Let me ask you, Did anyone guess that this might happen? Did anyone tell us earlier so we might confirm it with "Yes, he's right!'? No one mentioned it, no one announced it, no one heard a peep out of you.

Isa.41.26

Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could say, 'He was right'? No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you.

Isa.41.26

Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? And former times, that we may say, "He is righteous'? Surely there is no one who shows, Surely there is no one who declares, Surely there is no one who hears your words.

Isa.41.26

"Who but I have told you this would happen? Who else predicted this, making you admit that he was right? No one else said a word!

Isa.41.27

But I told Zion all about this beforehand. I gave Jerusalem a preacher of good news.

Isa.41.27

I was the first to tell Zion, 'Look, here they are!' I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good tidings.

Isa.41.27

The first time I said to Zion, "Look, there they are!' And I will give to Jerusalem one who brings good tidings.

Isa.41.27

I was the first to tell Jerusalem, `Look! Help is on the way!'

Isa.41.28

But around here there's no one--no one who knows what's going on. I ask, but no one can tell me the score.

Isa.41.28

I look but there is no one- no one among them to give counsel, no one to give answer when I ask them.

Isa.41.28

For I looked, and there was no man; I looked among them, but there was no counselor, Who, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Isa.41.28

Not one of your idols told you this. Not one gave any answer when I asked.

Isa.41.29

Nothing here. It's all smoke and hot air--sham gods, hollow gods, no-gods.

Isa.41.29

See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion.

Isa.41.29

Indeed they are all worthless; Their works are nothing; Their molded images are wind and confusion.

Isa.41.29

See, they are all foolish, worthless things. Your idols are all as empty as the wind.

Isa.42.1

"Take a good look at my servant. I'm backing him to the hilt. He's the one I chose, and I couldn't be more pleased with him. I've bathed him with my Spirit, my life. He'll set everything right among the nations.

Isa.42.1

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.

Isa.42.1

"Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

Isa.42.1

"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, and I am pleased with him. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will reveal justice to the nations.

Isa.42.2

He won't call attention to what he does with loud speeches or gaudy parades.

Isa.42.2

He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.

Isa.42.2

He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.

Isa.42.2

He will be gentle--he will not shout or raise his voice in public.

Isa.42.3

He won't brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won't disregard the small and insignificant, but he'll steadily and firmly set things right.

Isa.42.3

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

Isa.42.3

A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.

Isa.42.3

He will not crush those who are weak or quench the smallest hope. He will bring full justice to all who have been wronged.

Isa.42.4

He won't tire out and quit. He won't be stopped until he's finished his work--to set things right on earth. Far-flung ocean islands wait expectantly for his teaching."

Isa.42.4

he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."

Isa.42.4

He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law."

Isa.42.4

He will not stop until truth and righteousness prevail throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction."

Isa.42.5

GOD's Message, the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies, laid out the earth and all that grows from it, Who breathes life into earth's people, makes them alive with his own life:

Isa.42.5

This is what God the LORD says- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:

Isa.42.5

Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:

Isa.42.5

God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath and life to everyone in all the world. And it is he who says,

Isa.42.6

"I am GOD. I have called you to live right and well. I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe. I have set you among my people to bind them to me, and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,

Isa.42.6

"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,

Isa.42.6

"I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles,

Isa.42.6

"I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will guard and support you, for I have given you to my people as the personal confirmation of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide all nations to me.

Isa.42.7

To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light: opening blind eyes, releasing prisoners from dungeons, emptying the dark prisons.

Isa.42.7

to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Isa.42.7

To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.

Isa.42.7

You will open the eyes of the blind and free the captives from prison. You will release those who sit in dark dungeons.

Isa.42.8

I am GOD. That's my name. I don't franchise my glory, don't endorse the no-god idols.

Isa.42.8

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.

Isa.42.8

I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.

Isa.42.8

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else. I will not share my praise with carved idols.

Isa.42.9

Take note: The earlier predictions of judgment have been fulfilled. I'm announcing the new salvation work. Before it bursts on the scene, I'm telling you all about it."

Isa.42.9

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."

Isa.42.9

Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them."

Isa.42.9

Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens."

Isa.42.10

Sing to GOD a brand-new song, sing his praises all over the world! Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause, with all the far-flung islands joining in.

Isa.42.10

Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Isa.42.10

Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise from the ends of the earth, You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, You coastlands and you inhabitants of them!

Isa.42.10

Sing a new song to the LORD! Sing his praises from the ends of the earth! Sing, all you who sail the seas, all you who live in distant coastlands.

Isa.42.11

Let the desert and its camps raise a tune, calling the Kedar nomads to join in. Let the villagers in Sela round up a choir and perform from the tops of the mountains.

Isa.42.11

Let the desert and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops.

Isa.42.11

Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, The villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, Let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Isa.42.11

Join in the chorus, you desert towns; let the villages of Kedar rejoice! Let the people of Sela sing for joy; shout praises from the mountaintops!

Isa.42.12

Make GOD's glory resound; echo his praises from coast to coast.

Isa.42.12

Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands.

Isa.42.12

Let them give glory to the LORD, And declare His praise in the coastlands.

Isa.42.12

Let the coastlands glorify the LORD; let them sing his praise.

Isa.42.13

GOD steps out like he means business. You can see he's primed for action. He shouts, announcing his arrival; he takes charge and his enemies fall into line:

Isa.42.13

The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

Isa.42.13

The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies.

Isa.42.13

The LORD will march forth like a mighty man; he will come out like a warrior, full of fury. He will shout his thundering battle cry, and he will crush all his enemies.

Isa.42.14

"I've been quiet long enough. I've held back, biting my tongue. But now I'm letting loose, letting go, like a woman who's having a baby--

Isa.42.14

"For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant.

Isa.42.14

"I have held My peace a long time, I have been still and restrained Myself. Now I will cry like a woman in labor, I will pant and gasp at once.

Isa.42.14

He will say, "I have long been silent; yes, I have restrained myself. But now I will give full vent to my fury; I will gasp and pant like a woman giving birth.

Isa.42.15

Stripping the hills bare, withering the wildflowers, Drying up the rivers, turning lakes into mudflats.

Isa.42.15

I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn rivers into islands and dry up the pools.

Isa.42.15

I will lay waste the mountains and hills, And dry up all their vegetation; I will make the rivers coastlands, And I will dry up the pools.

Isa.42.15

I will level the mountains and hills and bring a blight on all their greenery. I will turn the rivers into dry land and will dry up all the pools.

Isa.42.16

But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'll be doing for them--sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."

Isa.42.16

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Isa.42.16

I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

Isa.42.16

I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will make the darkness bright before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.

Isa.42.17

But those who invested in the no-gods are bankrupt--dead broke.

Isa.42.17

But those who trust in idols, who say to images, 'You are our gods,' will be turned back in utter shame.

Isa.42.17

They shall be turned back, They shall be greatly ashamed, Who trust in carved images, Who say to the molded images, "You are our gods.'

Isa.42.17

But those who trust in idols, calling them their gods--they will be turned away in shame.

Isa.42.18

Pay attention! Are you deaf? Open your eyes! Are you blind?

Isa.42.18

"Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see!

Isa.42.18

"Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see.

Isa.42.18

"Oh, how deaf and blind you are toward me! Why won't you listen? Why do you refuse to see?

Isa.42.19

You're my servant, and you're not looking! You're my messenger, and you're not listening! The very people I depended upon, servants of GOD, blind as a bat--willfully blind!

Isa.42.19

Who is blind but my servant, and deaf like the messenger I send? Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the LORD?

Isa.42.19

Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as the LORD's servant?

Isa.42.19

Who in all the world is as blind as my own people, my servant? Who is as deaf as my messengers? Who is as blind as my chosen people, the servant of the LORD?

Isa.42.20

You've seen a lot, but looked at nothing. You've heard everything, but listened to nothing.

Isa.42.20

You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing."

Isa.42.20

Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear."

Isa.42.20

You see and understand what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear, but you don't really listen."

Isa.42.21

GOD intended, out of the goodness of his heart, to be lavish in his revelation.

Isa.42.21

It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious.

Isa.42.21

The LORD is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will exalt the law and make it honorable.

Isa.42.21

The LORD has magnified his law and made it truly glorious. Through it he had planned to show the world that he is righteous.

Isa.42.22

But this is a people battered and cowed, shut up in attics and closets, Victims licking their wounds, feeling ignored, abandoned.

Isa.42.22

But this is a people plundered and looted, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, "Send them back."

Isa.42.22

But this is a people robbed and plundered; All of them are snared in holes, And they are hidden in prison houses; They are for prey, and no one delivers; For plunder, and no one says, "Restore!"

Isa.42.22

But what a sight his people are, for they have been robbed, enslaved, imprisoned, and trapped. They are fair game for all and have no one to protect them.

Isa.42.23

But is anyone out there listening? Is anyone paying attention to what's coming?

Isa.42.23

Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?

Isa.42.23

Who among you will give ear to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come?

Isa.42.23

Will not even one of you apply these lessons from the past and see the ruin that awaits you?

Isa.42.24

Who do you think turned Jacob over to the thugs, let loose the robbers on Israel? Wasn't it GOD himself, this God against whom we've sinned--not doing what he commanded, not listening to what he said?

Isa.42.24

Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? For they would not follow his ways; they did not obey his law.

Isa.42.24

Who gave Jacob for plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Was it not the LORD, He against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, Nor were they obedient to His law.

Isa.42.24

Who allowed Israel to be robbed and hurt? Was it not the LORD? It was the LORD whom we sinned against, for the people would not go where he sent them, nor would they obey his law.

Isa.42.25

Isn't it God's anger that's behind all this, God's punishing power? Their whole world collapsed but they still didn't get it; their life is in ruins but they don't take it to heart.

Isa.42.25

So he poured out on them his burning anger, the violence of war. It enveloped them in flames, yet they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart.

Isa.42.25

Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger And the strength of battle; It has set him on fire all around, Yet he did not know; And it burned him, Yet he did not take it to heart.

Isa.42.25

That is why he poured out such fury on them and destroyed them in battle. They were set on fire and burned, but they still refused to understand.

Gal.3.10

And that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Scripture backs this up: "Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law."

Gal.3.10

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."

Gal.3.10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."

Gal.3.10

But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, "Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all these commands that are written in God's Book of the Law."

Gal.3.11

The obvious impossibility of carrying out such a moral program should make it plain that no one can sustain a relationship with God that way. The person who lives in right relationship with God does it by embracing what God arranges for him. Doing things for God is the opposite of entering into what God does for you. Habakkuk had it right: "The person who believes God, is set right by God--and that's the real life."

Gal.3.11

Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."

Gal.3.11

But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

Gal.3.11

Consequently, it is clear that no one can ever be right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."

Gal.3.12

Rule-keeping does not naturally evolve into living by faith, but only perpetuates itself in more and more rule-keeping, a fact observed in Scripture: "The one who does these things [rule-keeping]continues to live by them."

Gal.3.12

The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them."

Gal.3.12

Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them."

Gal.3.12

How different from this way of faith is the way of law, which says, "If you wish to find life by obeying the law, you must obey all of its commands."

Gal.3.13

Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the Cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse.

Gal.3.13

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Gal.3.13

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"),

Gal.3.13

But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Gal.3.14

And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham's blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God's life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing--just the way Abraham received it. [JC]

Gal.3.14

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Gal.3.14

that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Gal.3.14

Through the work of Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, and we Christians receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.

Gal.3.15

Friends, let me give you an example from everyday affairs of the free life I am talking about. Once a person's will has been ratified, no one else can annul it or add to it.

Gal.3.15

Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case.

Gal.3.15

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.

Gal.3.15

Dear brothers and sisters, here's an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case.

Gal.3.16

Now, the promises were made to Abraham and to his descendant. You will observe that Scripture, in the careful language of a legal document, does not say "to descendants," referring to everybody in general, but "to your descendant" (the noun, note, is singular), referring to Christ.

Gal.3.16

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ.

Gal.3.16

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.

Gal.3.16

God gave the promise to Abraham and his child. And notice that it doesn't say the promise was to his children, as if it meant many descendants. But the promise was to his child--and that, of course, means Christ.

Gal.3.17

This is the way I interpret this: A will, earlier ratified by God, is not annulled by an addendum attached 430 years later, thereby negating the promise of the will.

Gal.3.17

What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

Gal.3.17

And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.

Gal.3.17

This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise.

Gal.3.18

No, this addendum, with its instructions and regulations, has nothing to do with the promised inheritance in the will. What is the point, then, of the law, the attached addendum? It was a thoughtful addition to the original covenant promises made to Abraham.

Gal.3.18

For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Gal.3.18

For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Gal.3.18

For if the inheritance could be received only by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God's promise. But God gave it to Abraham as a promise.

Gal.3.19

The purpose of the law was to keep a sinful people in the way of salvation until Christ (the descendant) came, inheriting the promises and distributing them to us. Obviously this law was not a firsthand encounter with God. It was arranged by angelic messengers through a middleman, Moses.

Gal.3.19

What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.

Gal.3.19

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.

Gal.3.19

Well then, why was the law given? It was given to show people how guilty they are. But this system of law was to last only until the coming of the child to whom God's promise was made. And there is this further difference. God gave his laws to angels to give to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.

Gal.3.20

But if there is a middleman as there was at Sinai, then the people are not dealing directly with God, are they? But the original promise is the direct blessing of God, received by faith.

Gal.3.20

A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.

Gal.3.20

Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.

Gal.3.20

Now a mediator is needed if two people enter into an agreement, but God acted on his own when he made his promise to Abraham.

Gal.3.21

If such is the case, is the law, then, an anti-promise, a negation of God's will for us? Not at all. Its purpose was to make obvious to everyone that we are, in ourselves, out of right relationship with God, and therefore to show us the futility of devising some religious system for getting by our own efforts what we can only get by waiting in faith for God to complete his promise. For if any kind of rule-keeping had power to create life in us, we would certainly have gotten it by this time.

Gal.3.21

Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.

Gal.3.21

Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

Gal.3.21

Well then, is there a conflict between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could have given us new life, we could have been made right with God by obeying it.

Gal.3.22

Until the time when we were mature enough to respond freely in faith to the living God, we were carefully surrounded and protected by the Mosaic law.

Gal.3.22

But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Gal.3.22

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Gal.3.22

But the Scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin, so the only way to receive God's promise is to believe in Jesus Christ.

Gal.3.23

The law was like those Greek tutors, with which you are familiar, who escort children to school and protect them from danger or distraction, making sure the children will really get to the place they set out for.

Gal.3.23

Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.

Gal.3.23

But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.

Gal.3.23

Until faith in Christ was shown to us as the way of becoming right with God, we were guarded by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until we could put our faith in the coming Savior.

Gal.3.24

But now you have arrived at your destination:

Gal.3.24

So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

Gal.3.24

Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal.3.24

Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian and teacher to lead us until Christ came. So now, through faith in Christ, we are made right with God.

Gal.3.25

By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God.

Gal.3.25

Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

Gal.3.25

But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Gal.3.25

But now that faith in Christ has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.

Prov.22.28

Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.

Prov.22.28

Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.

Prov.22.28

Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.

Prov.22.28

Do not steal your neighbor's property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors.

Prov.22.29

Observe people who are good at their work--skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a back seat to anyone.

Prov.22.29

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.

Prov.22.29

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.

Prov.22.29

Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.

Prov.23.1

When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners:

Prov.23.1

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,

Prov.23.1

When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;

Prov.23.1

When dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.

Prov.23.2

Don't gobble your food, don't talk with your mouth full.

Prov.23.2

and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

Prov.23.2

And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.

Prov.23.2

If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat,

Prov.23.3

And don't stuff yourself; bridle your appetite.

Prov.23.3

Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.

Prov.23.3

Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.

Prov.23.3

and don't desire all the delicacies--deception may be involved.

Prov.23.4

Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!

Prov.23.4

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

Prov.23.4

Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!

Prov.23.4

Don't weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time?

Prov.23.5

Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder.

Prov.23.5

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Prov.23.5

Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

Prov.23.5

For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird!

Prov.23.6

Don't accept a meal from a tightwad; don't expect anything special.

Prov.23.6

Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies;

Prov.23.6

Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies;

Prov.23.6

Don't eat with people who are stingy; don't desire their delicacies.

Prov.23.7

He'll be as stingy with you as he is with himself; he'll say, "Eat! Drink!" but won't mean a word of it.

Prov.23.7

for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you.

Prov.23.7

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you.

Prov.23.7

"Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it. They are always thinking about how much it costs.

Prov.23.8

His miserly serving will turn your stomach when you realize the meal's a sham.

Prov.23.8

You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.

Prov.23.8

The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, And waste your pleasant words.

Prov.23.8

You will vomit up the delicious food they serve, and you will have to take back your words of appreciation for their "kindness."

Prov.23.9

Don't bother talking sense to fools; they'll only poke fun at your words.

Prov.23.9

Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

Prov.23.9

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Prov.23.9

Don't waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.