Isaiah 49:7-9

Easy-to-Read Version

⁷The Lord, the Holy Protector of Israel, speaks to his servant.
    People hate that servant.
Nations despise him.
    He is now a slave to rulers.
The Lord says to him,
    “Kings will see you and stand to honor you.
    Great leaders will bow down to you.”

This will happen for the Lord. The Holy One of Israel is the one who chose you, and he can be trusted.

The Day of Salvation

⁸This is what the Lord says:
“There will be a special time when I show my kindness.
    Then I will answer your prayers.
There will be a special day when I will save you.
    Then I will help you and protect you.
    And you will be the proof of my agreement with the people.
The country is destroyed now,
    but you will give the land back to the people who own it.
⁹You will tell the prisoners,
    ‘Come out of your prison!’
You will tell those who are in darkness,
    ‘Come out of the dark!’
The people will eat along the road,
    and they will have food even on empty hills.