WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:02.830 Nancy: Welcome to Immerse: the daily bible reading experience. 00:00:02.920 --> 00:00:04.380 Day 200 and 56 00:00:04.646 --> 00:00:08.276 This is what the Lord says, your redeemer and creator. 00:00:09.356 --> 00:00:12.026 I am the Lord who made all things. 00:00:12.446 --> 00:00:17.006 I alone stretched out the heavens who was with me when I made the earth. 00:00:17.786 --> 00:00:22.646 I expose the false prophets as liars and make fools of fortune tellers. 00:00:23.396 --> 00:00:28.076 I cause the wise to give bad advice, thus proving them to be fools. 00:00:28.691 --> 00:00:32.561 I carry out the predictions of my prophets by them. 00:00:32.561 --> 00:00:38.201 I say to Jerusalem, people will live here again and to the towns of Judah. 00:00:38.531 --> 00:00:39.731 You will be rebuilt. 00:00:39.941 --> 00:00:41.951 I will restore all your ruins. 00:00:42.791 --> 00:00:46.961 When I speak to the rivers and say, dry up, they will be dry. 00:00:47.621 --> 00:00:50.531 When I say of Cyrus, he is my shepherd. 00:00:50.711 --> 00:00:56.111 He will certainly do, as I say, he will command rebuild Jerusalem. 00:00:56.426 --> 00:00:58.886 He will say, restore the temple. 00:00:59.996 --> 00:01:04.346 This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one, whose right 00:01:04.346 --> 00:01:07.556 hand, he will empower before him. 00:01:07.796 --> 00:01:10.226 Mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear. 00:01:10.616 --> 00:01:14.066 Their fortress gates will be opened never to shut again. 00:01:14.846 --> 00:01:16.466 This is what the Lord says. 00:01:17.396 --> 00:01:21.206 I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains. 00:01:22.001 --> 00:01:26.171 I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron, 00:01:26.831 --> 00:01:28.481 and I will give you treasures. 00:01:28.481 --> 00:01:29.771 Hidden in the darkness. 00:01:30.071 --> 00:01:31.271 Secret riches. 00:01:31.991 --> 00:01:32.771 I will do this. 00:01:32.771 --> 00:01:36.851 So you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the 00:01:36.851 --> 00:01:38.681 one who calls you by name. 00:01:39.761 --> 00:01:42.191 And why have I called you for this work? 00:01:42.791 --> 00:01:45.911 Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? 00:01:46.751 --> 00:01:49.451 It is for the sake of Jacob, my servant. 00:01:49.826 --> 00:01:51.626 Israel, my chosen one. 00:01:52.466 --> 00:01:53.636 I am the Lord. 00:01:53.816 --> 00:01:55.226 There is no other God. 00:01:56.066 --> 00:01:59.576 I have equipped you for battle though you don't even know me. 00:01:59.936 --> 00:02:04.466 So all the world from east to West will know there is no other God. 00:02:04.916 --> 00:02:07.526 I am the Lord and there is no other. 00:02:08.336 --> 00:02:10.886 I create the light and make the darkness. 00:02:11.366 --> 00:02:13.916 I send good times and bad times. 00:02:14.306 --> 00:02:17.546 I the Lord am the one who does these things. 00:02:18.671 --> 00:02:20.411 Open up, oh heavens. 00:02:20.651 --> 00:02:22.511 And pour out your righteousness. 00:02:22.931 --> 00:02:28.301 Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. 00:02:28.961 --> 00:02:30.911 I the Lord created them. 00:02:31.961 --> 00:02:37.271 What sorrow awaits those who argue with their creator, does a clay pot 00:02:37.331 --> 00:02:41.921 argue with its maker, does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it 00:02:41.921 --> 00:02:44.111 saying, stop, you are doing it wrong. 00:02:45.071 --> 00:02:46.601 Does the pot exclaim? 00:02:46.841 --> 00:02:48.491 How clumsy can you be? 00:02:49.421 --> 00:02:55.061 How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, why was I born? 00:02:55.631 --> 00:02:59.531 Or if it said to its mother, why did you make me this way? 00:03:00.611 --> 00:03:04.061 This is what the Lord says, the holy one of Israel. 00:03:04.061 --> 00:03:08.801 And your creator, creator, do you question what I do for my children? 00:03:09.491 --> 00:03:12.671 Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? 00:03:13.391 --> 00:03:17.771 I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. 00:03:18.431 --> 00:03:20.981 With my hands, I stretched out the heavens. 00:03:21.761 --> 00:03:23.831 All the stars are at my command. 00:03:24.521 --> 00:03:28.031 I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose 00:03:28.181 --> 00:03:30.071 and I will guide his actions. 00:03:31.241 --> 00:03:36.641 He will restore my city and free my captive people without seeking a reward. 00:03:37.391 --> 00:03:40.631 I the Lord of Heaven's armies have spoken. 00:03:42.041 --> 00:03:43.781 This is what the Lord says. 00:03:44.771 --> 00:03:49.631 You will rule the Egyptians, the Ethiopians, and the Sabians. 00:03:50.021 --> 00:03:54.251 They will come to you with all their merchandise and it will all be yours. 00:03:54.761 --> 00:03:57.641 They will follow you as prisoners in chains. 00:03:58.181 --> 00:04:02.981 They will fall to their knees in front of you and say, God is with you, and 00:04:02.981 --> 00:04:05.771 he's the only God There is no other. 00:04:06.836 --> 00:04:10.106 Truly, oh God of Israel, our savior. 00:04:10.406 --> 00:04:12.356 You work in mysterious ways. 00:04:13.046 --> 00:04:16.046 All craftsmen who make idols will be humiliated. 00:04:16.436 --> 00:04:21.146 They will all be disgraced together, but the Lord will save the people 00:04:21.146 --> 00:04:26.006 of Israel with eternal salvation throughout everlasting ages. 00:04:26.276 --> 00:04:31.736 They will never again be humiliated and disgraced for the Lord is God. 00:04:32.336 --> 00:04:36.626 He created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. 00:04:37.286 --> 00:04:42.026 He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. 00:04:42.776 --> 00:04:44.666 I am the Lord, he says. 00:04:45.056 --> 00:04:46.406 And there is no other. 00:04:47.036 --> 00:04:49.796 I publicly proclaim bold promises. 00:04:50.156 --> 00:04:53.426 I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. 00:04:54.206 --> 00:04:58.706 I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. 00:04:59.381 --> 00:05:04.241 I the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right. 00:05:05.351 --> 00:05:11.291 Gather together and come you fugitives from surrounding nations what fools 00:05:11.291 --> 00:05:15.791 they are who carry around their wooden idols and pray to Gods that cannot save. 00:05:15.796 --> 00:05:21.941 Can consult together, argue your case, get together and decide what to say. 00:05:22.661 --> 00:05:25.541 Who made these things known so long ago? 00:05:26.111 --> 00:05:28.241 What idol ever told you they would happen? 00:05:28.781 --> 00:05:33.311 Was it not I the Lord for there is no other God but me. 00:05:33.821 --> 00:05:35.681 A righteous God and Savior. 00:05:36.191 --> 00:05:37.811 There is none but me. 00:05:38.531 --> 00:05:41.441 Let all the world look to me for salvation. 00:05:41.771 --> 00:05:43.061 For I am God. 00:05:43.241 --> 00:05:44.291 There is no other. 00:05:44.921 --> 00:05:47.141 I have sworn by my own name. 00:05:47.501 --> 00:05:51.521 I have spoken the truth and I will never go back on my word. 00:05:52.541 --> 00:05:57.791 Every knee will bend to me and every tongue will declare allegiance to me. 00:05:58.496 --> 00:06:03.116 The people will declare the Lord is the source of all my righteousness 00:06:03.116 --> 00:06:07.346 and strength, and all who were angry with him will come to 00:06:07.346 --> 00:06:10.106 him and be ashamed in the Lord. 00:06:10.106 --> 00:06:15.566 All the generations of Israel will be justified and in him they will boast 00:06:17.066 --> 00:06:19.886 Bell and nebo the gods of Babylon. 00:06:20.126 --> 00:06:20.516 Bow. 00:06:20.516 --> 00:06:24.656 As they are lowered to the ground, they are being hauled away on Oxcarts. 00:06:25.706 --> 00:06:28.196 The poor beasts stagger under the weight. 00:06:28.556 --> 00:06:31.256 Both the idols and their owners are bowed down. 00:06:32.006 --> 00:06:36.656 The gods cannot protect the people, and the people cannot protect the gods. 00:06:37.226 --> 00:06:39.686 They go off into captivity together. 00:06:40.916 --> 00:06:46.796 Listen to me descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel, I have 00:06:46.796 --> 00:06:48.776 cared for you since you were born. 00:06:49.166 --> 00:06:51.756 Yes, I carried you before you were born. 00:06:52.811 --> 00:06:57.371 I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with 00:06:57.371 --> 00:07:01.091 age I made you and I will care for you. 00:07:01.691 --> 00:07:04.091 I will carry you along and save you. 00:07:05.141 --> 00:07:07.091 To whom will you compare me? 00:07:07.301 --> 00:07:08.531 Who is my equal? 00:07:09.371 --> 00:07:12.461 Some people pour out their silver and gold and hire a 00:07:12.461 --> 00:07:14.351 craftsman to make a God from it. 00:07:14.921 --> 00:07:16.901 Then they bow down and worship it. 00:07:17.681 --> 00:07:23.051 They carry it around on their shoulders, and when they set it down, It stays there. 00:07:23.441 --> 00:07:24.821 It can't even move. 00:07:25.301 --> 00:07:28.031 And when someone prays to it, there is no answer. 00:07:28.541 --> 00:07:30.641 It can't rescue anyone from trouble. 00:07:31.631 --> 00:07:33.221 Do not forget this. 00:07:33.461 --> 00:07:34.661 Keep it in mind. 00:07:34.931 --> 00:07:37.121 Remember this, you guilty ones. 00:07:37.361 --> 00:07:41.771 Remember the things I have done in the past for I alone am God. 00:07:42.341 --> 00:07:44.981 I am God, and there is none like me. 00:07:45.461 --> 00:07:48.761 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. 00:07:49.346 --> 00:07:53.726 Everything I plan will come to pass for I do whatever I wish. 00:07:54.416 --> 00:07:58.736 I will call a swift bird of prey from the east, a leader from a distant 00:07:58.736 --> 00:08:00.596 land to come and do my bidding. 00:08:01.316 --> 00:08:04.286 I have said what I would do and I will do it. 00:08:05.336 --> 00:08:10.346 Listen to me, you stubborn people who are so far from doing right 00:08:11.396 --> 00:08:13.556 for I am ready to set things right. 00:08:13.796 --> 00:08:16.796 Not in the distant future, but right now. 00:08:17.651 --> 00:08:21.671 I am ready to save Jerusalem and show my glory to Israel. 00:08:23.051 --> 00:08:27.911 Come down Virgin daughter of Babylon and sit in the dust. 00:08:28.271 --> 00:08:31.061 For your days of sitting on a throne have ended. 00:08:31.721 --> 00:08:33.281 Oh daughter of Babylonia. 00:08:33.551 --> 00:08:36.431 Never again will you be the lovely princess. 00:08:36.436 --> 00:08:37.901 Tender and delicate. 00:08:38.531 --> 00:08:41.231 Take heavy millstones and grind flour. 00:08:41.831 --> 00:08:44.441 Remove your veil and strip off your robe. 00:08:44.951 --> 00:08:47.201 Expose yourself to public view. 00:08:47.921 --> 00:08:50.651 You will be naked and burdened with shame. 00:08:51.401 --> 00:08:54.161 I will take vengeance against you without pity. 00:08:55.151 --> 00:08:58.811 Our redeemer, whose name is the Lord of heaven's, armies 00:08:58.991 --> 00:09:00.851 is the holy one of Israel. 00:09:02.051 --> 00:09:03.761 Oh, beautiful Babylon. 00:09:04.121 --> 00:09:07.001 Sit now in darkness and silence. 00:09:07.451 --> 00:09:10.781 Never again will you be known as the Queen of kingdoms. 00:09:11.381 --> 00:09:15.311 For, I was angry with my chosen people and punished them by 00:09:15.311 --> 00:09:17.201 letting them fall into your hands. 00:09:17.891 --> 00:09:21.071 But you, Babylon showed them no mercy. 00:09:21.671 --> 00:09:23.531 You oppressed even the elderly. 00:09:23.951 --> 00:09:30.041 You said, I will reign forever as queen of the world, you did not reflect on your 00:09:30.046 --> 00:09:32.591 actions or think about their consequences. 00:09:33.581 --> 00:09:37.571 Listen to this, you pleasure loving kingdom, living at 00:09:37.571 --> 00:09:39.251 ease and feeling secure. 00:09:39.851 --> 00:09:40.601 You say. 00:09:41.021 --> 00:09:43.931 I am the only one and there is no other. 00:09:44.411 --> 00:09:47.021 I will never be a widow or lose my children. 00:09:47.681 --> 00:09:52.271 Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment, widowhood 00:09:52.271 --> 00:09:53.951 and the loss of your children. 00:09:54.431 --> 00:10:00.221 Yes, these calamities will come upon you despite all your witchcraft and magic 00:10:01.301 --> 00:10:03.281 you felt secure in your wickedness. 00:10:03.731 --> 00:10:05.861 No one sees me you said. 00:10:06.506 --> 00:10:11.906 But your wisdom and knowledge have led you astray and you said, I am 00:10:11.906 --> 00:10:14.336 the only one, and there is no other. 00:10:14.996 --> 00:10:19.736 So disaster will overtake you and you won't be able to charm it away. 00:10:20.306 --> 00:10:24.776 Calamity will fall upon you and you won't be able to buy your way out. 00:10:25.526 --> 00:10:30.566 A catastrophe will strike you suddenly, one for which you are not prepared. 00:10:31.646 --> 00:10:33.926 Now, use your magical charms. 00:10:34.346 --> 00:10:37.226 Use the spells you have worked at all these years. 00:10:37.706 --> 00:10:39.416 Maybe they will do you some good. 00:10:40.016 --> 00:10:42.296 Maybe they can make someone afraid of you. 00:10:43.136 --> 00:10:45.656 All the advice you receive has made you tired. 00:10:45.986 --> 00:10:47.966 Where are all your astrologers? 00:10:48.416 --> 00:10:51.116 Those stargazers who make predictions each month. 00:10:51.716 --> 00:10:55.436 Let them stand up and save you from what the future holds. 00:10:56.066 --> 00:10:58.736 But they are like straw burning in a fire. 00:10:59.156 --> 00:11:01.586 They cannot save themselves from the flame. 00:11:02.186 --> 00:11:04.466 You will get no help from them at all. 00:11:05.006 --> 00:11:07.766 Their hear is no place to sit for warmth. 00:11:08.426 --> 00:11:11.846 And all your friends, those with whom you've done business since 00:11:11.851 --> 00:11:14.186 childhood, will go their own ways. 00:11:14.816 --> 00:11:19.736 Turning a deaf ear to your cries, listen to me. 00:11:19.976 --> 00:11:24.626 Oh, family of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, and 00:11:24.626 --> 00:11:26.426 born into the family of Judah. 00:11:27.191 --> 00:11:32.201 Listen, you who take oaths in the name of the Lord and call on the God of Israel, 00:11:32.981 --> 00:11:37.991 you don't keep your promises even though you call yourself the holy city and talk 00:11:37.996 --> 00:11:42.491 about depending on the God of Israel, whose name is the Lord of heaven's armies. 00:11:43.331 --> 00:11:46.211 Long ago I told you what was going to happen. 00:11:46.661 --> 00:11:51.971 Then suddenly I took action and all my predictions came true for I know 00:11:51.971 --> 00:11:54.101 how stubborn and obstinate you are. 00:11:54.776 --> 00:11:57.506 Your necks are as unbending as iron. 00:11:57.806 --> 00:11:59.876 Your heads are as hard as bronze. 00:12:00.446 --> 00:12:02.396 That is why I told you what would happen. 00:12:02.876 --> 00:12:05.636 I told you beforehand what I was going to do. 00:12:06.326 --> 00:12:09.296 Then you could never say my idols did it. 00:12:09.626 --> 00:12:12.896 My wooden image and metal, God commanded it to happen. 00:12:13.826 --> 00:12:17.036 You have heard my predictions and seen them fulfilled, 00:12:17.246 --> 00:12:18.776 but you refuse to admit it. 00:12:19.526 --> 00:12:19.826 Now. 00:12:19.826 --> 00:12:23.846 I will tell you new things, secrets you have not yet heard. 00:12:24.596 --> 00:12:28.346 They are brand new, not things from the past, so you cannot 00:12:28.346 --> 00:12:30.416 say we knew that all the time. 00:12:31.496 --> 00:12:35.966 Yes, I will tell you of things that are entirely new, things 00:12:35.966 --> 00:12:37.496 you never heard of before. 00:12:37.826 --> 00:12:40.526 For I know so well what traitors you are. 00:12:40.946 --> 00:12:42.986 You have been rebels from birth. 00:12:43.706 --> 00:12:43.946 Yet. 00:12:43.946 --> 00:12:47.906 For my own sake and for the honor of my name, I will hold back 00:12:47.906 --> 00:12:49.976 my anger and not wipe you out. 00:12:50.786 --> 00:12:54.326 I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. 00:12:54.896 --> 00:12:58.166 Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering. 00:12:58.826 --> 00:13:00.896 I will rescue you for my sake. 00:13:01.136 --> 00:13:02.996 Yes, for my own sake. 00:13:03.476 --> 00:13:08.396 I will not let my reputation be tarnished and I will not share my glory with idols. 00:13:09.476 --> 00:13:10.376 Listen to me. 00:13:10.376 --> 00:13:13.676 Oh, family of Jacob Israel, my chosen one. 00:13:14.321 --> 00:13:17.801 I alone am God the first and the last. 00:13:18.161 --> 00:13:22.151 It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth, my right 00:13:22.151 --> 00:13:24.311 hand that spread out the heavens above. 00:13:24.851 --> 00:13:27.971 When I call out the stars, they all appear in order. 00:13:28.961 --> 00:13:31.271 Have any of your idols ever told you this? 00:13:31.631 --> 00:13:33.311 Come all of you and listen. 00:13:34.061 --> 00:13:36.641 The Lord has chosen Cyrus as his ally. 00:13:37.061 --> 00:13:41.051 He will use him to put an end to the empire of Babylon and to 00:13:41.051 --> 00:13:43.001 destroy the Babylonian armies. 00:13:44.081 --> 00:13:45.131 I have said it. 00:13:45.461 --> 00:13:47.021 I am calling Cyrus. 00:13:47.411 --> 00:13:50.681 I will send him on this errand and will help him succeed. 00:13:51.281 --> 00:13:55.931 Come closer and listen to this from the beginning, I have told you 00:13:55.931 --> 00:14:00.731 plainly what would happen and now the sovereign Lord and his spirit 00:14:00.731 --> 00:14:02.591 have sent me with this message. 00:14:03.161 --> 00:14:08.261 This is what the Lord says, your redeemer, the holy one of Israel. 00:14:09.041 --> 00:14:13.961 I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads 00:14:13.961 --> 00:14:15.941 you along the paths you should follow. 00:14:16.691 --> 00:14:22.151 Oh, that you had listened to my commands, then you would have had peace flowing 00:14:22.151 --> 00:14:27.101 like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea. 00:14:27.611 --> 00:14:31.091 Your descendants would have been like the sands along the seashore. 00:14:31.361 --> 00:14:32.441 Too many to count. 00:14:33.191 --> 00:14:36.491 There would've been no need for your destruction or for 00:14:36.491 --> 00:14:37.931 cutting off your family name. 00:14:39.131 --> 00:14:42.371 Yet, even now, be free from your captivity. 00:14:42.761 --> 00:14:45.131 Leave Babylon and the Babylonians. 00:14:45.521 --> 00:14:46.961 Sing out this message. 00:14:47.081 --> 00:14:48.701 Shout it to the ends of the earth. 00:14:49.121 --> 00:14:54.521 The Lord has redeemed his servants, the people of Israel, they were not thirsty 00:14:54.521 --> 00:14:56.171 when he led them through the desert. 00:14:56.441 --> 00:15:00.131 He divided the rock and water gushed out for them to drink. 00:15:00.791 --> 00:15:03.911 But there is no peace for the wicked, says the Lord. 00:15:05.426 --> 00:15:06.746 Listen to me. 00:15:07.046 --> 00:15:10.436 All you in distant lands pay attention. 00:15:10.436 --> 00:15:11.696 You who are far away. 00:15:12.356 --> 00:15:15.836 The Lord called me before my birth from within the womb. 00:15:15.841 --> 00:15:17.216 He called me by name. 00:15:17.996 --> 00:15:21.146 He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. 00:15:21.926 --> 00:15:24.176 He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. 00:15:24.986 --> 00:15:27.236 I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. 00:15:28.286 --> 00:15:33.566 He said to me, you are my servant Israel, and you will bring me glory. 00:15:34.541 --> 00:15:38.021 I replied, but my work seems so useless. 00:15:38.201 --> 00:15:42.431 I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose, yet I 00:15:42.436 --> 00:15:44.351 leave it all in the Lord's hand. 00:15:44.651 --> 00:15:46.751 I will trust God for my reward. 00:15:47.831 --> 00:15:52.211 And now the Lord speaks the one who formed me in my mother's womb 00:15:52.211 --> 00:15:56.531 to be his servant who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. 00:15:57.221 --> 00:16:01.151 The Lord has honored me and my God has given me strength. 00:16:01.601 --> 00:16:01.991 He says. 00:16:02.816 --> 00:16:05.966 You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. 00:16:06.626 --> 00:16:11.246 I will make you a light to the Gentiles and you will bring my salvation to 00:16:11.246 --> 00:16:16.616 the ends of the earth, the Lord, the redeemer, and holy one of Israel 00:16:16.856 --> 00:16:21.956 says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nation's to the one who 00:16:21.956 --> 00:16:27.206 is the servant of rulers, kings will stand at attention when you pass by. 00:16:27.626 --> 00:16:32.126 Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one. 00:16:32.936 --> 00:16:36.146 The holy one of Israel who has chosen you. 00:16:37.676 --> 00:16:41.876 This is what the Lord says at just the right time. 00:16:41.876 --> 00:16:43.376 I will respond to you. 00:16:43.826 --> 00:16:46.136 On the day of salvation, I will help you. 00:16:46.856 --> 00:16:50.006 I will protect you and give you to the people as my 00:16:50.006 --> 00:16:52.286 covenant with them through you. 00:16:52.286 --> 00:16:57.056 I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. 00:16:57.686 --> 00:17:00.626 I will say to the prisoners, come out in freedom. 00:17:01.046 --> 00:17:04.016 And to those in darkness, come into the light. 00:17:04.676 --> 00:17:08.966 They will be my sheep grazing in green pastures and on hills 00:17:08.971 --> 00:17:10.466 that were previously bear. 00:17:10.946 --> 00:17:13.046 They will neither hunger nor thirst. 00:17:13.826 --> 00:17:16.286 The searing sun will not reach them anymore. 00:17:16.736 --> 00:17:19.226 For the Lord in his mercy will lead them. 00:17:19.496 --> 00:17:21.806 He will lead them beside cool waters. 00:17:22.751 --> 00:17:25.901 I will make my mountains into level paths for them. 00:17:26.351 --> 00:17:28.931 The highways will be raised above the valleys. 00:17:29.381 --> 00:17:34.541 See, my people will return from far away from lands to the north and 00:17:34.546 --> 00:17:37.481 west, and from as far south as Egypt. 00:17:38.471 --> 00:17:39.641 Sing for joy. 00:17:39.646 --> 00:17:41.141 Oh heavens rejoice. 00:17:41.146 --> 00:17:44.351 Oh, earth burst into Song O. 00:17:44.441 --> 00:17:49.031 Mountains for the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion 00:17:49.031 --> 00:17:50.561 on them in their suffering. 00:17:51.611 --> 00:17:55.121 Yet Jerusalem says The Lord has deserted us. 00:17:55.331 --> 00:17:57.041 The Lord has forgotten us. 00:17:58.001 --> 00:18:01.481 Never can a mother forget her nursing child. 00:18:01.991 --> 00:18:04.871 Can she feel no love for the child she has born? 00:18:05.591 --> 00:18:08.351 But even if that were possible, I would not forget. 00:18:08.356 --> 00:18:12.911 You see, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. 00:18:13.391 --> 00:18:17.711 Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem's Walls in ruins. 00:18:18.311 --> 00:18:21.791 Soon your descendants will come back and all who are trying 00:18:21.791 --> 00:18:23.591 to destroy you will go away. 00:18:24.251 --> 00:18:28.241 Look around you and see for all your children will come back to you. 00:18:28.901 --> 00:18:31.571 As surely as I live says the Lord. 00:18:32.171 --> 00:18:35.921 They will be like jewels or bridal ornaments for you to display. 00:18:36.191 --> 00:18:40.721 Even the most desolate parts of your abandoned land will soon 00:18:40.721 --> 00:18:42.311 be crowded with your people. 00:18:42.641 --> 00:18:45.581 Your enemies who enslaved you will be far away. 00:18:46.151 --> 00:18:51.251 The generations born in exile will return and say, we need more room. 00:18:51.461 --> 00:18:52.601 It's crowded here. 00:18:53.171 --> 00:18:57.611 Then you will think to yourself, who has given me all these descendants? 00:18:57.671 --> 00:19:02.021 For most of my children were killed and the rest were carried away into exile. 00:19:02.591 --> 00:19:04.151 I was left here all alone. 00:19:04.721 --> 00:19:06.641 Where did all these people come from? 00:19:06.911 --> 00:19:08.531 Who bore these children? 00:19:08.861 --> 00:19:10.361 Who raised them for me? 00:19:11.411 --> 00:19:13.571 This is what the sovereign Lord says. 00:19:14.246 --> 00:19:17.876 See, I will give a signal to the godless nations. 00:19:18.326 --> 00:19:21.566 They will carry your little sons back to you in their arms. 00:19:21.866 --> 00:19:24.086 They will bring your daughters on their shoulders. 00:19:24.866 --> 00:19:28.706 Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. 00:19:29.246 --> 00:19:33.536 They will bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from your feet. 00:19:34.136 --> 00:19:36.356 Then you will know that I am the Lord. 00:19:36.776 --> 00:19:39.716 Those who trust in me will never be put to shame. 00:19:40.721 --> 00:19:45.521 Who can snatch the plunder of war from the hands of a warrior who can demand 00:19:45.521 --> 00:19:47.861 that a tyrant let his captives go. 00:19:48.401 --> 00:19:53.711 But the Lord says, the captives of warriors will be released and the 00:19:53.711 --> 00:19:56.801 plunder of tyrants will be retrieved for. 00:19:56.801 --> 00:20:00.821 I will fight those who fight you and I will save your children. 00:20:01.481 --> 00:20:04.151 I will feed your enemies with their own flesh. 00:20:04.481 --> 00:20:07.121 They will be drunk with rivers of their own blood. 00:20:07.781 --> 00:20:12.611 All the world will know that I the Lord am your savior and your 00:20:12.611 --> 00:20:15.401 redeemer, the mighty one of Israel. 00:20:16.391 --> 00:20:18.251 This is what the Lord says. 00:20:19.241 --> 00:20:22.031 Was your mother sent away because I divorced her. 00:20:22.721 --> 00:20:25.481 Did I sell you as slaves to my creditors? 00:20:25.991 --> 00:20:26.531 No. 00:20:26.951 --> 00:20:30.701 You were sold because of your sins, and your mother too was 00:20:30.701 --> 00:20:32.471 taken because of your sins. 00:20:33.281 --> 00:20:35.321 Why was no one there when I came? 00:20:36.056 --> 00:20:38.516 Why didn't anyone answer when I called? 00:20:39.086 --> 00:20:41.426 Is it because I have no power to rescue? 00:20:41.966 --> 00:20:42.356 No. 00:20:42.356 --> 00:20:47.246 That is not the reason for I can speak to the sea and make it dry up. 00:20:47.846 --> 00:20:51.446 I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish. 00:20:52.046 --> 00:20:56.606 I dress the skies in darkness, covering them with clothes of mourning. 00:20:58.406 --> 00:21:02.216 The sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom so that I 00:21:02.216 --> 00:21:03.986 know how to comfort the weary. 00:21:04.571 --> 00:21:05.081 Morning. 00:21:05.081 --> 00:21:09.791 By morning he awakens me and opens my understanding to his will. 00:21:10.571 --> 00:21:14.261 The sovereign Lord has spoken to me and I have listened. 00:21:14.711 --> 00:21:16.691 I have not rebelled or turned away. 00:21:17.441 --> 00:21:21.101 I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks, to 00:21:21.101 --> 00:21:22.601 those who pulled out my beard. 00:21:23.321 --> 00:21:28.001 I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting because 00:21:28.001 --> 00:21:29.771 the sovereign Lord helps me. 00:21:30.071 --> 00:21:31.541 I will not be disgraced. 00:21:32.066 --> 00:21:38.456 Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will, and 00:21:38.456 --> 00:21:40.736 I know that I will not be put to shame. 00:21:41.606 --> 00:21:46.646 He who gives me justice is near who will dare to bring charges against me? 00:21:46.651 --> 00:21:49.046 Now, where are my accusers? 00:21:49.586 --> 00:21:50.786 Let them appear. 00:21:51.306 --> 00:21:56.036 See, the sovereign Lord is on my side who will declare me guilty. 00:21:56.456 --> 00:22:01.466 All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths. 00:22:02.561 --> 00:22:05.951 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? 00:22:06.611 --> 00:22:10.931 If you are walking in darkness without a ray of light, trust in 00:22:10.931 --> 00:22:12.971 the Lord and rely on your God. 00:22:13.901 --> 00:22:17.561 But watch out you who live in your own light and warm 00:22:17.566 --> 00:22:19.541 yourselves by your own fires. 00:22:20.171 --> 00:22:22.601 This is the reward you will receive from me. 00:22:23.171 --> 00:22:26.141 You will soon fall down in great torment. 00:22:27.701 --> 00:22:30.671 Listen to me all who hope for deliverance. 00:22:31.271 --> 00:22:36.221 All who seek the Lord, consider the rock from which you were cut, the 00:22:36.226 --> 00:22:38.141 quarry from which you were mined. 00:22:38.861 --> 00:22:39.431 Yes. 00:22:39.971 --> 00:22:45.791 Think about Abraham, your ancestor, and Sarah who gave birth to your nation. 00:22:46.361 --> 00:22:50.681 Abraham was only one man when I called him, but when I blessed 00:22:50.681 --> 00:22:52.811 him, he became a great nation. 00:22:53.951 --> 00:22:58.271 The Lord will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. 00:22:58.751 --> 00:23:02.621 Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness, 00:23:02.621 --> 00:23:04.061 like the garden of the Lord. 00:23:04.811 --> 00:23:07.151 Joy and gladness will be found there. 00:23:07.691 --> 00:23:09.971 Songs of Thanksgiving will fill the air. 00:23:11.021 --> 00:23:16.301 Listen to me, my people hear me, Israel, for my law will be 00:23:16.301 --> 00:23:20.591 proclaimed and my justice will become a light to the nations. 00:23:21.371 --> 00:23:24.161 My mercy and justice are coming soon. 00:23:24.731 --> 00:23:26.711 My salvation is on the way. 00:23:27.371 --> 00:23:30.341 My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. 00:23:31.211 --> 00:23:36.101 All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. 00:23:36.791 --> 00:23:42.851 Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below for the skies 00:23:42.851 --> 00:23:47.501 will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. 00:23:48.101 --> 00:23:50.621 The people of earth will die like flies. 00:23:50.711 --> 00:23:53.231 But my salvation lasts forever. 00:23:53.891 --> 00:23:56.171 My righteous rule will never end. 00:23:57.236 --> 00:23:58.466 Listen to me. 00:23:58.526 --> 00:24:00.326 You who know right from wrong. 00:24:00.626 --> 00:24:07.436 You who cherish my law in your hearts, do not be afraid of people's scorn nor fear. 00:24:07.436 --> 00:24:12.416 Their insults for the moth will devour them as it devours clothing. 00:24:13.016 --> 00:24:19.196 The worm will eat at them as it eats wool, but my righteousness will last forever. 00:24:19.826 --> 00:24:23.786 My salvation will continue from generation to generation. 00:24:26.201 --> 00:24:29.036 This concludes today's Immerse Reading experience. 00:24:29.156 --> 00:24:30.386 Thank you for joining us.