Add parallel Print Page Options

Woodcarvers, goldsmiths,
    and other workers[a]
encourage one another and say,
    “We've done a great job!”
Then they nail the idol down,
    so it won't fall over.

The Lord's Chosen Servant

(A) Israel, you are my servant.
I chose you, the family
    of my friend Abraham.
From far across the earth
    I brought you here and said,
“You are my chosen servant.
    I haven't forgotten you.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 41.7 and other workers: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

The metalworker(A) encourages the goldsmith,(B)
    and the one who smooths with the hammer
    spurs on the one who strikes the anvil.
One says of the welding, “It is good.”
    The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.(C)

“But you, Israel, my servant,(D)
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,(E)
    you descendants of Abraham(F) my friend,(G)
I took you from the ends of the earth,(H)
    from its farthest corners I called(I) you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;(J)
    I have chosen(K) you and have not rejected you.

Read full chapter