15. I will completely destroy the mountains and hills. I will dry up everything that grows there. I will turn rivers into dry land. I will dry up the pools.
16. Israel is blind. So I will lead them along paths they had not known before. I will guide them on roads they are not familiar with. I will turn the darkness into light as they travel. I will make the rough places smooth. Those are the things I will do. I will not desert my people.
17. Some people trust in statues of gods. They say to them, 'You are our gods.' But they will be dishonored. They will be put to shame.
18. "Israel, listen to me! You can hear, but you do not understand. Look to me! You can see, but you do not know what you are seeing.
19. The people of Israel serve me. But who is more blind than they are? Who is more deaf than the messengers I send? Who is more blind than those who have committed themselves to be faithful to me? Who is more blind than my servants?
20. Israel , you have seen many things. But you have not paid any attention to me. Your ears are open. But you do not hear anything I say."
21. The Lord wanted his people to see how great and glorious his law is. He wanted to show them that he always does what is right.
22. Enemies have carried off everything they own. All of my people are trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They themselves have become like stolen goods. No one can save them. They have been carried off. And there is no one who will say, "Send them back."
23. Family of Jacob, who among you will listen to what I'm saying? People of Israel, which one of you will pay close attention in days to come?
24. Who allowed you to be carried off like stolen goods? Who handed you over to robbers? The Lord did it! We have sinned against him. Israel , you wouldn't follow his ways. You didn't obey his law.