17. He makes a god or his idol with the rest of it.He bows down to it and worships;He prays to it, “Save me, for you are my god.”
18. Such people do not comprehendand cannot understand,for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see,and their minds so they cannot understand.
19. No one reflects,no one has the perception or insight to say,“I burned half of it in the fire,I also baked bread on its coals,I roasted meat and ate.I will make something detestable with the rest of it,and I will bow down to a block of wood.”
20. He feeds on ashes.His deceived mind has led him astray,and he cannot deliver himself,or say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand? ”
21. Remember these things, Jacob,and Israel, for you are My servant;I formed you, you are My servant;Israel, you will never be forgotten by Me.
22. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist.Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.
23. Rejoice, heavens, for the Lord has acted;shout, depths of the earth.Break out into singing, mountains,forest, and every tree in it.For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,and glorifies Himself through Israel.
24. This is what the Lord, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb, says:I am Yahweh, who made everything;who stretched out the heavens by Myself; who alone spread out the earth;
25. who destroys the omens of the false prophetsand makes fools of diviners;who confounds the wiseand makes their knowledge foolishness;
26. who confirms the message of His servantand fulfills the counsel of His messengers;who says to Jerusalem, “She will be inhabited,”and to the cities of Judah, “They will be rebuilt,”and I will restore her ruins;