44:6 This is what the Lord, Israel’s king, says,
their protector, 1 the Lord who commands armies:
“I am the first and I am the last,
there is no God but me.
44:7 Who is like me? Let him make his claim! 2
Let him announce it and explain it to me –
since I established an ancient people – 3
let them announce future events! 4
44:8 Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid! 5
Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it?
You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me?
There is no other sheltering rock; 6 I know of none.