On him Jehovah our transgressions laid: He passed from judgment; who his life declared? And for my people's sins he fell; he shared The grave with base ones, with the rich the tomb; Although he never had committed wrong, Nor could deceit abide upon his tongue. Yet did Jehovah his afflictions raise That he might make an offering for sin; His lot shall be the nations to control; The mighty people shall his spoil be deemed; For unto death he poured out his soul, And he as a transgressor was esteemed; The sins of many upon him were laid, CHAPTER LIV. THOU barren woman shout! With joyful notes cry out: "More are the children of the desolate Than of the married woman," saith Jehovah. Thy tent spread out around, and elevate, Spare not; thy cordage lengthen, And the supporters strengthen; Thou on the right hand shalt break forth, Upon thy seed will I bestow the earth, The lone and wasted cities they shall fill. Fear not! for thou shalt not with shame be met; Blush not! thou shalt not to reproach be brought: Thy shame in days of youth I will forget, Nor to thy widowhood recal thy thought. Thy husband see, Thy Maker he! Jehovah, God of Hosts, is his great name. The God of Israel Shall thy redemption tell: He the whole earth will for his people claim. Thy God, Jehovah, hath recalled thee now, But with great mercies will receive again: Such is the word Of thy redeeming Lord. For as in time of Noah, when I sware The waters should no more deface the earth, So at this day do I to thee declare That I will not rebuke thee, nor be wrath; Mountains shall be cast down, Hills shall be overthrown, Yet shall my kindness never be displaced, My covenant of peace shall never be effaced. Lo! I am he That loveth thee. Thou tempest-tossed, deprived of consolation, Lo, all thy children shall be taught of God, Thy seat is firm, fear no oppressor's rod, I formed the workman to ignite the flame, But those shall fail who against thee conspire: And this shall be my servant's heritage; This blessing I will grant from age to age. CHAPTER LV. Ho! all ye thirsty sons and daughters, Lo! I bestow thee as the people's light, One that shall judge the listening nations right; The lands thou knewest not shall hear thy voice, And those who ne'er knew thee make thee their choice. This hath Jehovah done for his great name; The Holy One doth thus thy work proclaim. |