Isaiah 49

This is the Second Servant Song. The Servant speaks, lamenting that he feels his labor has been useless. God assures the Servant that his work is with the Lord. God promises to make the Servant a light to the Gentiles and to be God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. God promises to fully restore the exiled people of Israel. God reaffirms His eternal commitment to Zion, asking, "Can a woman forget her nursing child? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands."