Isaiah 44:1-8

1“But now listen, O Jacob, my servant,

Israel, whom I have chosen.

2This is what the Lord says—

he who made you, who formed you in the womb,

and who will help you:

Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant,

Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

3For 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 blessing on your descendants.

4They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

like poplar trees by flowing streams.

5One 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.

The Lord, Not Idols

6“This is what the Lord says—

Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;

apart from me there is no God.

7Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.

Let him declare and lay out before me

what has happened since I established my ancient people,

and what is yet to come—

yes, let him foretell what will come.

8Do not tremble, do not be afraid.

Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?

You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?

No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”