In a time long ago, the Lord called out to the silent islands and nations, inviting them to gather their strength, to approach His holy presence for judgment. From the East, He summoned a chosen one with righteousness as his guide. This chosen one, endowed with power and guided by divine righteousness, triumphed over mighty kings and nations, who crumbled before him like dust to his sword, like stubble to his bow. Fearlessly, the champion pressed on, treading paths unfamiliar to him.

From the beginning of time, it was the Lord, Jehovah, who called generations into being. From the first to the last, He was there, the eternal constant. When His actions were seen by the distant isles and corners of the Earth, they trembled in awe. Communities united in their fear, offering each other encouragement, their brotherhood growing stronger under the gaze of the Almighty.

Craftsmen commended each other in their tasks, from the carpenter cheering on the goldsmith to the blacksmith praising the hammersmith. Their work was good and robust, designed never to falter.

Amid these multitudes, the Lord singled out Israel, His chosen servant, the offspring of Abraham, His trusted friend. From the far reaches of the earth, He called Israel, promising him His unwavering favor. “Fear not,” He commanded, “for I, your God, am with you. I will strengthen and aid you, uphold you with my righteousness.”

Those who dared to oppose Israel would find shame and defeat, disappearing into oblivion, never to be found. For Israel’s God was Jehovah, a divine custodian who would assure his victory, his enemies vanishing like dust in the wind.

In His divine wisdom, God transformed Israel into an instrument of His will, a new grain thrasher with sharp teeth. With this newfound power, Israel would grind mighty mountains into a fine dust, and the hills into chaff, to be carried off and scattered by the wind and the whirlwind. In Jehovah, Israel would find joy and glory; indeed, the Holy One of Israel was his salvation.

The Lord promised to not forsake His people in their desperate times. He would answer their cries for water when none was found. Rivers would spring forth from barren heights, fountains from the valleys, and springs from the dry lands. He promised that in fearful deserts, he would plant lush cedars and acacias, myrtles and oil trees, fir trees, pines, and box trees.

This grandeur display of God’s blessing was sure proof that the hand of Jehovah had accomplished these things, the Holy One of Israel bringing life from desolation. They are called upon to bear witness to His works and understand His splendor.

Moreover, He called upon the idols — false and powerless — to predict the future. But they were empty, their works meaningless and abhorrent. True power came from the North, from the rising sun — one who called upon His name. This holy messenger would tread on rulers as if on clay beneath a potter’s feet.

None were present that could foretell this or proclaim it beforehand, only Jehovah had such divine foresight. “I am the first who said to Zion, behold them,” The Lord proclaimed, pointing to the one who brings good tidings to Jerusalem. Whereas false idols were incapable of counsel or action, their works but a whirlwind of confusion and nothingness.