Isaiah 51:9-15

9 Wake up, Lord!

Get ready to show your strength!

Do great things, as you did in past days,

when our ancestors were alive.

Remember how you cut the monster, Rahab, into pieces.

51:9‘Rahab’ was a monster that lived in the sea. It is a picture of the enemies of God's people. See Psalm 89:10. Here it may mean Egypt.

10 You made the sea become dry,

so that there was a path through the deep water.

The slaves that you rescued

could then cross over.

51:10This describes how God's people escaped from Egypt, where they had been slaves.

11 The people that the Lord has rescued

will return from exile.

They will sing with joy

while they go into Zion city.

Their joy will be like a crown

that they wear on their heads for ever.

They will continue to be very happy.

They will never be sad or weep again.

12 ‘I am the Lord who comforts you.

You do not need to be afraid of people who are only human.

Remember that they will all die one day,

like grass that only lives for a short time.

13 Do not forget about the Lord who made you!

I hung up the sky like a curtain.

I made the foundation of the earth.

So why are you always shaking with fear?

Do not be afraid when your enemy is angry,

and he is ready to attack you.

Your enemy's anger is useless!

14 The people who have trouble and pain

will soon become free.

They will not stay in the prison of death.

They will have all the food that they need.

15 Remember that I am the Lord your God.

I shake the sea so that its waves roar!

My name is the Lord Almighty.