14. ‘For a long time I have kept silent,I have been quiet and held myself back.But now, like a woman in childbirth,I cry out, I gasp and pant.
15. I will lay waste the mountains and hillsand dry up all their vegetation;I will turn rivers into islandsand dry up the pools.
16. I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;I will turn the darkness into light before themand make the rough places smooth.These are the things I will do;I will not forsake them.
17. But those who trust in idols,who say to images, “You are our gods,”will be turned back in utter shame.
18. ‘Hear, you deaf;look, you blind, and see!
19. Who is blind but my servant,and deaf like the messenger I send?Who is blind like the one in covenant with me,blind like the servant of the Lord?
20. You have seen many things, but you pay no attention;your ears are open, but you do not listen.’
21. It pleased the Lordfor the sake of his righteousnessto make his law great and glorious.
22. But this is a people plundered and looted,all of them trapped in pitsor hidden away in prisons.They have become plunder,with no one to rescue them;they have been made loot,with no one to say, ‘Send them back.’
23. Which of you will listen to thisor pay close attention in time to come?