Study Desk

"Yes, I will tell you of things that are entirely new, things you never heard of before. For I know so well what traitors you are. You have been rebels from birth.

Yet for my own sake and for the honor of my name, I will hold back my anger and not wipe you out.

I will rescue you for my sake— yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols!

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.

Your descendants would have been like the sands along the seashore— too many to count! There would have been no need for your destruction, or for cutting off your family name."

They were not thirsty when he led them through the desert. He divided the rock, and water gushed out for them to drink.

"But there is no peace for the wicked," says the Lord .

I replied, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord 's hand; I will trust God for my reward."

They will neither hunger nor thirst. The searing sun will not reach them anymore. For the Lord in his mercy will lead them; he will lead them beside cool waters.

And I will make my mountains into level paths for them. The highways will be raised above the valleys.

Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.

"Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!

Look around you and see, for all your children will come back to you. As surely as I live," says the Lord , "they will be like jewels or bridal ornaments for you to display.

Then you will think to yourself, ‘Who has given me all these descendants? For most of my children were killed, and the rest were carried away into exile. I was left here all alone. Where did all these people come from? Who bore these children? Who raised them for me?'"

Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. They will bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord . Those who trust in me will never be put to shame."

But the Lord says, "The captives of warriors will be released, and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved. For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.

Why was no one there when I came? Why didn't anyone answer when I called? Is it because I have no power to rescue? No, that is not the reason! For I can speak to the sea and make it dry up! I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish.

"Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance— all who seek the Lord ! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined.

"Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations.

My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm.