19. For I am about to do something new.See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?I will make a pathway through the wilderness.I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
20. The wild animals in the fields will thank me,the jackals and owls, too,for giving them water in the desert.Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wastelandso my chosen people can be refreshed.
21. I have made Israel for myself,and they will someday honor me before the whole world.
22. “But, dear family of Jacob, you refuse to ask for my help.You have grown tired of me, O Israel!
23. You have not brought me sheep or goats for burnt offerings.You have not honored me with sacrifices,though I have not burdened and wearied youwith requests for grain offerings and frankincense.
24. You have not brought me fragrant calamusor pleased me with the fat from sacrifices.Instead, you have burdened me with your sinsand wearied me with your faults.
25. “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sakeand will never think of them again.