Isaiah 41:2-4, 8

“Who caused the one to come from the east? Who gives him victories everywhere he goes? The one who brought him gives nations over to him and defeats kings. He uses his sword, and kings become like dust. He uses his bow, and they are blown away like chaff. He chases them and is never hurt, going places he has never been before. Who caused this to happen? Who has controlled history since the beginning? I, the LORD, am the one. I was here at the beginning, and I will be here when all things are finished.”

The LORD says, “People of Israel, you are my servants. People of Jacob, I chose you. You are from the family of my friend Abraham.