16. This is what the Lord says –he who made a way through the sea,a path through the mighty waters,
17. who drew out the chariots and horses,the army and reinforcements together,and they lay there, never to rise again,extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18. ‘Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.
19. See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland.
20. The wild animals honour me,the jackals and the owls,because I provide water in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland,to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21. the people I formed for myselfthat they may proclaim my praise.
22. ‘Yet you have not called on me, Jacob,you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel.
23. You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,nor honoured me with your sacrifices.I have not burdened you with grain offeringsnor wearied you with demands for incense.
24. You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.But you have burdened me with your sinsand wearied me with your offences.