51:1 “Listen to me, you who pursue godliness, 1
who seek the Lord!
Look at the rock from which you were chiseled,
at the quarry 2 from which you were dug! 3
51:2 Look at Abraham, your father,
and Sarah, who gave you birth. 4
When I summoned him, he was a lone individual, 5
but I blessed him 6 and gave him numerous descendants. 7
51:3 Certainly the Lord will console Zion;
he will console all her ruins.
He will make her wilderness like Eden,
her desert like the Garden of the Lord.
Happiness and joy will be restored to 8 her,
thanksgiving and the sound of music.
51:4 Pay attention to me, my people!
Listen to me, my people!
For 9 I will issue a decree, 10
I will make my justice a light to the nations. 11
51:5 I am ready to vindicate, 12
I am ready to deliver, 13
I will establish justice among the nations. 14
The coastlands 15 wait patiently for me;
they wait in anticipation for the revelation of my power. 16
51:6 Look up at the sky!
Look at the earth below!
For the sky will dissipate 17 like smoke,
and the earth will wear out like clothes;
its residents will die like gnats.
But the deliverance I give 18 is permanent;
the vindication I provide 19 will not disappear. 20
51:7 Listen to me, you who know what is right,
you people who are aware of my law! 21
Don’t be afraid of the insults of men;
don’t be discouraged because of their abuse!