Isaiah 49:1-3

Good News Translation

49 ^(A)Listen to me, distant nations,
    you people who live far away!
Before I was born, the Lord chose me
    and appointed me to be his servant.
^2 (B)He made my words as sharp as a sword.
    With his own hand he protected me.^[a]
He made me like an arrow,
    sharp and ready for use.
³ He said to me, “Israel, you are my servant;
    because of you, people will praise me.”