11-13 “Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you
    will end up out in the cold—
    real losers.
Those who worked against you
    will end up empty-handed—
    nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your old adversaries
    you won’t find them—
Not a trace of your old enemies,
    not even a memory.
That’s right. Because I, your God,
    have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.
    I’m right here to help you.’

14-16 “Do you feel like a lowly worm, Jacob?
    Don’t be afraid.
Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?
    I’ll help you.
I, God, want to reassure you.
    The God who buys you back, The Holy of Israel.
I’m transforming you from worm to harrow,
    from insect to iron.
As a sharp-toothed harrow you’ll smooth out the mountains,
    turn those tough old hills into loamy soil.
You’ll open the rough ground to the weather,
    to the blasts of sun and wind and rain.
But you’ll be confident and exuberant,
    expansive in The Holy of Israel!

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12 Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.(A)
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing(B) at all.
13 For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand(C)
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help(D) you.
14 Do not be afraid,(E) you worm(F) Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help(G) you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer,(H) the Holy One(I) of Israel.

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