18. Forget what happened long ago!Don't think about the past.
19. I am creating something new.There it is! Do you see it?I have put roads in deserts,streams in thirsty lands.
20. Every wild animal honours me,even jackals and owls.I provide water in deserts—streams in thirsty landsfor my chosen people.
21. I made them my own nation,so they would praise me.
22. I, the Lord, said to Israel:You have become weary,but not from worshipping me.
23. You have not honoured meby sacrificing sheepor other animals.And I have not burdened youwith demands for sacrificesor sweet-smelling incense.
24. You have not broughtdelicious spices for meor given me the best partof your sacrificed animals.Instead, you burden me downwith your terrible sins.
25. But I wipe away your sinsbecause of who I am.And so, I will forgetthe wrongs you have done.
26. Meet me in court!State your case and provethat you are right.
27. Your earliest ancestorand all your leadersrebelled against me.
28. That's why I don't allowyour priests to serve me;I let Israel be destroyedand your people disgraced.