Isaiah 52:1-9 ▼

1 Wake up! Wake up! Clothe yourself with strength, Zion! Put on your beautiful clothes, holy city of Jerusalem. Godless and evil people will no longer come to you.

2 Shake the dust from yourselves. Get up, captive Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains around your neck, captive people of Zion.

3 This is what the LORD says: You were sold, but no price was paid. You will be bought back, but without money.

4 This is what the Almighty LORD says: In the beginning my people went to Egypt to live there as foreigners. Later the Assyrians oppressed them for no reason.

5 So what do I find here? asks the LORD. My people are taken away for no reason. Their rulers are screaming, declares the LORD. And my name is cursed all day long.

6 Now my people will know my name. When that day comes, [they will know] that I am the one who says, |Here I am!|

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces the good news, |All is well.| He brings the good news, announces salvation, and tells Zion that its God rules as king.

8 Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices and shout together joyfully. When the LORD brings Zion back, they will see it with their own eyes.

9 Break out into shouts of joy, ruins of Jerusalem. The LORD will comfort his people. He will reclaim Jerusalem.