The servant’s task

42 Behold!

My servant, whom I uphold;

my chosen, the joy of my soul.

I have put my spirit upon him;

he will publish (my) Law to the nations.

2 He will not cry, nor shout,

nor utter his voice in the streets;

3 not a reed that is bent will he break,

nor a wick that burns dim will he quench.

He will faithfully set forth (my) Law,

4 all erect and aglow he will be:

he will yet set (my) Law in the earth,

and the islands will wait for his teaching.

5 Thus says the Lord, the God

who spread out and stretched forth the heavens;

who created the earth and its fruits,

giving breath to the people upon it,

and spirit to them who tread it:

6 with full and deliberate purpose

have I the Lord called you,

and taken your hand in mine;

I formed you as pledge and symbol

of my covenant with mankind –

a light to enlighten the nations,

7 to open the eyes of the blind,

and to bring from the dungeon the captives

who sit in the darkness of prison.

8 I am the (true) God, the Lord;

this is the name that is mine:

and my glory I yield to no other,

my praise will no image enjoy.

9 Behold, the predictions of old are fulfilled,

and new things I now declare;

before they spring into being,

I make them know unto you.