Isaiah 42:1-25 CEV

[1] Here is my servant! I have made him strong. He is my chosen one; I am pleased with him. I have given him my Spirit, and he will bring justice to the nations. [2] He won't shout or yell or call out in the streets. [3] He won't break off a bent reed or put out a dying flame, but he will make sure that justice is done. [4] He won't quit or give up until he brings justice everywhere on earth, and people in foreign nations long for his teaching. [5] I am the LORD God. I created the heavens like an open tent above. I made the earth and everything that grows on it. I am the source of life for all who live on this earth, so listen to what I say. [6] I chose you to bring justice, and I am here at your side. I selected and sent you to bring light and my promise of hope to the nations. [7] You will give sight to the blind; you will set prisoners free from dark dungeons. [8] My name is the LORD! I won't let idols or humans share my glory and praise. [9] Everything has happened just as I said it would; now I will announce what will happen next. [10] Tell the whole world to sing a new song to the LORD! Tell those who sail the ocean and those who live far away to join in the praise. [11] Tell the tribes of the desert and everyone in the mountains to celebrate and sing. [12] Let them announce his praises everywhere. [13] The LORD is marching out like an angry soldier, shouting with all his might while attacking his enemies. [14] For a long time, I, the LORD, have held my temper; now I will scream and groan like a woman giving birth. [15] I will destroy the mountains and what grows on them; I will dry up rivers and ponds. [16] I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling. This is my solemn promise. [17] Everyone who worships idols as though they were gods will be terribly ashamed. [18] You people are deaf and blind, but the LORD commands you to listen and to see. [19] No one is as blind or deaf as his messenger, his chosen servant, [20] who sees and hears so much, but pays no attention. [21] The LORD always does right, and so he wanted his Law to be greatly praised. [22] But his people were trapped and imprisoned in holes with no one to rescue them. All they owned had been taken, and no one was willing to give it back. [23] Why won't his people ever learn to listen? [24] Israel sinned and refused to obey the LORD or follow his instructions. So the LORD let them be robbed of everything they owned. [25] He was furious with them and punished their nation with the fires of war. Still they paid no attention. They didn't even care when they were surrounded and scorched by flames.