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Isaiah 52 (CEV)

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1 Jerusalem, wake up! Stand up and be strong. Holy city of Zion, dress in your best clothes. Those foreigners who ruined your sacred city won't bother you again. 2 Zion, rise from the dirt! Free yourself from the rope around your neck. 3 The LORD says: My people, you were sold, but not for money; now you will be set free, but not for a payment. 4 Long ago you went to Egypt where you lived as foreigners. Then Assyria was cruel to you, 5 and now another nation has taken you prisoner for no reason at all. Your leaders groan with pain, and day after day my own name is cursed. 6 My people, you will learn who I am and who is speaking because I am here. 7 What a beautiful sight! On the mountains a messenger announces to Jerusalem, "Good news! You're saved. There will be peace. Your God is now King." 8 Everyone on guard duty, sing and celebrate! Look! You can see the LORD returning to Zion. 9 Jerusalem, rise from the ruins! Join in the singing. The LORD has given comfort to his people; he comes to your rescue. 10 The LORD has shown all nations his mighty strength; now everyone will see the saving power of our God. 11 Leave the city of Babylon! Don't touch anything filthy. Wash yourselves. Be ready to carry back everything sacred that belongs to the LORD. 12 You won't need to run. No one is chasing you. The LORD God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks. 13 The LORD says: My servant will succeed! He will be given great praise and the highest honors. 14 Many were horrified at what happened to him. But everyone who saw him was even more horrified because he suffered until he no longer looked human. 15 My servant will make nations worthy to worship me; kings will be silent as they bow in wonder. They will see and think about things they have never seen or thought about before.