Scripture Text (NRSV)

 

Isaiah 49:8-16a

 

49:8 Thus says the LORD: In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to establish the land, to apportion the desolate heritages;

49:9 saying to the prisoners, "Come out," to those who are in darkness, "Show yourselves." They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture;

49:10 they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them.

49:11 And I will turn all my mountains into a road, and my highways shall be raised up.

49:12 Lo, these shall come from far away, and lo, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene.

49:13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones.

49:14 But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me."

49:15 Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

49:16a See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.