Study Desk

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, "Thus says the Lord : Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover."

I said, In the middle of my days I must depart; I am consigned to the gates of Sheol for the rest of my years.

What shall I say? For he has spoken to me, and he himself has done it. I walk slowly all my years because of the bitterness of my soul.

Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

For Sheol does not thank you; death does not praise you; those who go down to the pit do not hope for your faithfulness.

At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered.

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "There will be peace and security in my days."

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord 's hand double for all her sins.

A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.

An idol! A craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and casts for it silver chains.

He who is too impoverished for an offering chooses wood that will not rot; he seeks out a skillful craftsman to set up an idol that will not move.

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."

He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

"I am the Lord ; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,