Isaiah 43

VIN(i) 1 But now thus said the LORD that created you, O Jacob, and he that formed you, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you, therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life. 5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I will bring your offspring from the east, and gather you from the west. 6 I will tell the north, 'Give them up!' and tell the south, 'Don't hold them back! Bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth-- 7 "'Bring everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.' 8 Send out the blind people who have eyes, and those who have ears, but they are shut. 9 Let all the nations gather together, and let the peoples assemble. Who among them has declared this, and ⌊declared⌋ the former things to us? Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be in the right, and let them hear and say, "It is true!" 10 You are My witnesses, says the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me no God was formed, nor shall there be after Me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and besides me there is no savior. 12 I myself declared and saved, and I proclaimed. And there was no strange god among you. And you are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and I am God. 13 Yea, from this day I am He, and no one delivers from My hand. I will work, and who will reverse it? 14 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing. 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King." 16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; 17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and mighty one. Together they lie down; they cannot rise. They are extinguished, quenched like a wick. 18 Remember not former things, and look not on things of old. 19 Look! I am about to do a new thing! Now it sprouts! Do you not perceive it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. 20 The field life shall glorify Me; the jackals and the ostrich. For I provide water in the wilderness, streams in the desolation, to give drink to My people, and My chosen." 21 the people which I formed for myself, that they might declare my praise. 22 Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, but you have been weary of me, O Israel. 23 You have not brought me from your sheep for burnt offerings, nor have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense. 24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins. You have wearied me with your iniquities. 25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins. 26 Remind me, so that we plead together: scribe you, that you be justified. 27 Your first father sinned, and your translators rebelled against me: 28 And I will violate the chiefs of My holy place. And I will give Jacob to doom, and Israel to taunts."