this is what the LORD says . . . “fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. . .
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you . . .
because I love you . . .
Do not be afraid, for I am with you . . .
“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. . . You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” . . .
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. . .
“I, even I , am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence. Your first father sinned; your spokesman rebelled against me. . . “
“But listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. . .
Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessings on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
One will say, ’I belong to the LORD’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand “The LORD’s,’ and will take the name Israel.