But this is a people who have been robbed and plundered, all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become prey, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, "Send them back!'

Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong; because he poured out his life to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he carried the sins of many, and made intercession for their transgressions."

Blessed be the LORD, who did not give us as prey to their teeth.

When the LORD brought back Zion's exiles, we were like dreamers.

How can someone go into a strong man's house and carry off his possessions without first tying up the strong man? Then he can ransack his house.

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own mansion, his property is safe.

Lawful captive

Even though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. Instead, he has extended gracious love to us in the presence of the kings of Persia, to grant us revival, to set up the Temple of our God, to repair its damage, and to give us a protective wall for Judah and Jerusalem.

You are righteous in all that is happening to us, because you have acted faithfully while we have practiced evil.

Don't follow other gods to serve and worship them. Don't provoke me with the idols you make with your hands, and I won't bring disaster on you.'

General references

Therefore strong nations will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you.

How can someone go into a strong man's house and carry off his possessions without first tying up the strong man? Then he can ransack his house.

No one can go into a strong man's house and carry off his possessions without first tying up the strong man. Then he can ransack his house.

But when a stronger man than he attacks and defeats him, the stronger man strips off that man's armor in which he trusted and then divides his plunder.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!"