For you are a protector for the poor, a protector for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm, a shade from the heat. Though the breath of tyrants is like a winter rainstorm,

like heat in a dry land, you humble the boasting foreigners. Just as the shadow of a cloud causes the heat to subside, so he causes the song of tyrants to cease.

Hezekiah is misleading you when he says, “The Lord will rescue us.” Has any of the gods of the nations rescued his land from the power of the king of Assyria?

Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid! Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it? You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me? There is no other sheltering rock; I know of none.

Having suffered, he will reflect on his work, he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done. “My servant will acquit many, for he carried their sins.

Lambs will graze as if in their pastures, amid the ruins the rich sojourners will graze.

With bow and arrow men will hunt there, for the whole land will be covered with thorns and briers.

Everyone who is caught will be stabbed; everyone who is seized will die by the sword.

It furiously struck down nations with unceasing blows. It angrily ruled over nations, oppressing them without restraint.

As for all the kings of the nations, all of them lie down in splendor, each in his own tomb.

The earth dries up and withers, the world shrivels up and withers; the prominent people of the earth fade away.

The ruined town is shattered; all of the houses are shut up tight.

Indeed, they will hear meaningless gibberish, senseless babbling, a syllable here, a syllable there.

Highways are empty, there are no travelers. Treaties are broken, witnesses are despised, human life is treated with disrespect.

I first decreed to Zion, ‘Look, here’s what will happen!’ I sent a herald to Jerusalem.

everyone who belongs to me, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed – yes, whom I made!

Look, I made him a witness to nations, a ruler and commander of nations.”

He says, “Build it! Build it! Clear a way! Remove all the obstacles out of the way of my people!”

This is what the Lord says: “When juice is discovered in a cluster of grapes, someone says, ‘Don’t destroy it, for it contains juice.’ So I will do for the sake of my servants – I will not destroy everyone.

Look at Zion, the city where we hold religious festivals! You will see Jerusalem, a peaceful settlement, a tent that stays put; its stakes will never be pulled up; none of its ropes will snap in two.