Isaiah 44:1-13 ▼

1 Now, listen, Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen!|

2 This is what the LORD, the one who made you, says--the one who formed you in the womb and helps you: |Don't be afraid, my servant Jacob, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen!

3 For I will pour water on the parched ground and cause streams to flow on the dry land. I will pour my spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your children.

4 They will sprout up like a tree in the grass, like poplars beside channels of water.

5 One will say, 'I belong to the LORD,' and another will use the name 'Jacob.' One will write on his hand, 'The LORD's,' and use the name 'Israel.'|

6 This is what the LORD, Israel's king, says, their protector, the LORD who commands armies: |I am the first and I am the last, there is no God but me.

7 Who is like me? Let him make his claim! Let him announce it and explain it to me--since I established an ancient people--let them announce future events!

8 Don't panic! Don't be afraid! 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; I know of none.

9 All who form idols are nothing; the things in which they delight are worthless. Their witnesses cannot see; they recognize nothing, so they are put to shame.

10 Who forms a god and casts an idol that will prove worthless?

11 Look, all his associates will be put to shame; the craftsmen are mere humans. Let them all assemble and take their stand! They will panic and be put to shame.

12 A blacksmith works with his tool and forges metal over the coals. He forms it with hammers; he makes it with his strong arm. He gets hungry and loses his energy; he drinks no water and gets tired.

13 A carpenter takes measurements; he marks out an outline of its form; he scrapes it with chisels, and marks it with a compass. He patterns it after the human form, like a well-built human being, and puts it in a shrine.