19. I will plant in the desert cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive trees;I will put in the wilderness cypress, elm, and pine as well,
20. so that they will see and knowand observe and comprehendthat the Lord’s hand has done this,and the holy one of Israel has created it.
21. Present your case, says the Lord.Bring forward your evidence, says Jacob’s king.
22. Let the idols approachand tell us what will happen.The prior things—what are they?Announce them, and we’ll think about themand know their significance.Or proclaim to us what is to come!
23. Report things that will happen in the future,then we’ll know that you are gods.Do good! Or do bad!Then we will all be afraid and fearful.
24. Look! You are nobody, and your deeds are nothing.Whoever chooses you is disgusting.
25. I woke up one from the north and he came;from the east, one who calls my name.He tramples governors like mud,as a potter treads clay.
26. Who announced this from the startso that we would know;from an earlier timeso we would say, "That’s right"?Truly, no one announced it,no one proclaimed it,and no one heard your words.
27. I first said it to Zion, "Look, here they are";to Jerusalem I now send a herald.
28. But I look, and there’s no oneamong them, no counselor;and when I ask,no one can answer.