Isaiah 49:7-9

New International Reader's Version

⁷ The Lord sets his people free.
    He is the Holy One of Israel.
He speaks to his servant, who is looked down on and hated by the nations.
    He speaks to the servant of rulers. He says to him,
“Kings will see you and stand up to honor you.
    Princes will see you and bow down to show you their respect.
I am the Lord. I am faithful.
    I am the Holy One of Israel.
    I have chosen you.”

“When it is time to have mercy on you, I will answer your prayers.
    When it is time to save you, I will help you.
I will keep you safe.
    You will put into effect my covenant with the people of Israel.
Then their land will be made like new again.
    Each tribe will be sent back to its territory that was left empty.
⁹ I want you to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out.’
    Tell those who are in their dark cells, ‘You are free!’

“On their way home they will eat beside the roads.
    They will find plenty to eat on every bare hill.