Study Desk

But what could I say? For he himself sent this sickness. Now I will walk humbly throughout my years because of this anguish I have felt.

Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!

Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.

For the dead cannot praise you; they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to the grave can no longer hope in your faithfulness.

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "This message you have given me from the Lord is good." For the king was thinking, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime."

"Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins."

Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, "Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord ! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!

No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.

The nations of the world are worth nothing to him. In his eyes they count for less than nothing— mere emptiness and froth.

Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won't decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won't fall down!

"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.

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

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

I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.' For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing.

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.

Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don't be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the Lord , your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.'

"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 abandon them.

I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.