16. The Lord makes a path through the seaand a road through the strong currents.
17. He leads chariots and horses, an army and reinforcements.(They lie down together and do not get up ⌊again⌋.They are extinguished and snuffed out like a wick.)This is what the Lord says:
18. Forget what happened in the past,and do not dwell on events from long ago.
19. I am going to do something new.It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it?I will clear a way in the desert.I will make rivers on dry land.
20. Wild animals, jackals, and ostriches will honor me.I will provide water in the desert.I will make rivers on the dry land for my chosen people to drink.
21. I have formed these people for myself.They will praise me.
22. Jacob, you have not prayed to me.Israel, you have grown tired of me.
23. You did not bring me sheep for your burnt offeringsor honor me with your sacrifices.I did not burden you by requiring grain offeringsor trouble you by requiring incense offerings.
24. You did not buy me any sugar cane with ⌊your⌋ moneyor satisfy me with the best part of your sacrifices.Rather, you burdened me with your sinsand troubled me with your wrongdoings.
25. I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actionsfor my own sake.I will not remember your sins ⌊anymore⌋.
26. Remind me ⌊of what happened⌋.Let us argue our case together.State your case so that you can prove you are right.
27. Your first ancestor sinned,and your priests rebelled against me.
28. That is why I will corrupt the leaders of the holy place.I will claim Jacob for destruction.I will set up Israel for ridicule.