18. I will make streams flow down the slopesand produce springs in the middle of the valleys.I will turn the desert into a pool of waterand the arid land into springs.
19. I will make cedars, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees grow in the wilderness;I will make evergreens, firs, and cypresses grow together in the desert.
20. I will do this so people will observe and recognize,so they will pay attention and understandthat the Lord’s power has accomplished this,and that the Holy One of Israel has brought it into being.”
21. “Present your argument,” says the Lord.“Produce your evidence,” says Jacob’s king.
22. “Let them produce evidence! Let them tell us what will happen!Tell us about your earlier predictive oracles, so we may examine them and see how they were fulfilled.Or decree for us some future events!
23. Predict how future events will turn out,so we might know you are gods.Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe.
24. Look, you are nothing, and your accomplishments are nonexistent;the one who chooses to worship you is disgusting.