Isaiah 43:16-28 ▼

16 This is what the LORD says, the one who made a road through the sea, a pathway through the surging waters,

17 the one who led chariots and horses to destruction, together with a mighty army. They fell down, never to rise again; they were extinguished, put out like a burning wick:

18 Don't remember these earlier events; don't recall these former events.

19 Look, I am about to do something new. Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it? Yes, I will make a road in the desert and paths in the wilderness.

20 The wild animals of the desert honor me, the jackals and ostriches, because I put water in the desert and streams in the wilderness, to quench the thirst of my chosen people,

21 the people whom I formed for myself, so they might praise me.|

22 But you did not call for me, O Jacob; you did not long for me, O Israel.

23 You did not bring me lambs for your burnt offerings; you did not honor me with your sacrifices. I did not burden you with offerings; I did not make you weary by demanding incense.

24 You did not buy me aromatic reeds; you did not present to me the fat of your sacrifices. Yet you burdened me with your sins; you made me weary with your evil deeds.

25 I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.

26 Remind me of what happened! Let's debate! You, prove to me that you are right!

27 The father of your nation sinned; your spokesmen rebelled against me.

28 So I defiled your holy princes, and handed Jacob over to destruction, and subjected Israel to humiliating abuse.|