Isaiah 41:7-9

New Century Version

⁷ The craftsman encourages the goldsmith,
    and the workman who smooths the metal with a hammer encourages the one who shapes the metal.
He says, “This metal work is good.”
    He nails the statue to a base so it can’t fall over.

⁸ The Lord says, “People of Israel, you are my servants.
    People of Jacob, I chose you.
    You are from the family of my friend Abraham.
⁹ I took you from places far away on the earth
    and called you from a faraway country.
I said, ‘You are my servants.’
    I have chosen you and have not turned against you.