5. And I told you these things,so that when they happenedyou would not say,“The idols we worship did this.”
6. You heard what I said,and you have seen it happen.Now admit that it's true!I will show you secretsyou have never known.
7. Today I am doing something new,something you cannot sayyou have heard before.
8. You have never been willingto listen to what I say;from the moment of your birth,I knew you would rebel.
9. I, the Lord, am true to myself;I will be praised for not punishingand destroying you.
10. I tested you in hard timesjust as silver is refinedin a heated furnace.
11. I did this because of who I am.I refuse to be dishonouredor share my praisewith any other god.
12. Israel, my chosen people,listen to me.I alone am the Lord,the first and the last.
13. With my own handI created the earthand stretched out the sky.They obey my every command.
14. Gather around me, all of you!Listen to what I say.Did any of your idolspredict this would happen?Did they say that my friendwould do what I want doneto Babylonia?