Isaiah 44:1-13 ▼

1 But now listen, O Jacob (he grasps the heel) My servant, Israel (he wrestles with God), whom I have chosen.

2 This is the word of the LORD {YHWH}, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob (he grasps the heel) My servant, Jeshurun (upright one), whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit {Ruahi} on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.

4 They will sprout among the grass like willows (poplars) by flowing streams.

5 One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD {YHWH},’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob (he grasps the heel), and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel (he wrestles with God).”

6 Thus says the LORD {YHWH}, the King and Redeemer of Israel (he wrestles with God), the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God {Elohim} but Me.

7 Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place.

8 Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You⁺ are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”

9 All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.

10 Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?

11 Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame.

12 The blacksmith takes a tool and labors over the coals; he fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arms. Yet he grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint.

13 The woodworker extends a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He fashions it in the likeness of man, like man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine.