Isaiah 44

1Now listen, Jacob my servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen: 2This is what Yahweh says, he who made you and formed you in the womb 3For I will pour water on the thirsty ground, and flowing streams on the dry ground; 4They will spring up among the grass, like willows by the streams of water. 5One will say, 'I belong to Yahweh,' and another will call out the name of Jacob, 6This is what Yahweh says—the King of Israel and his Redeemer, Yahweh of hosts: 7Who is like me? Let him announce it and explain to me 8Do not fear or be afraid. Have I not declared to you long ago, and announced it? 9All who fashion idols are nothing; the things they delight in are worthless; 10Who would form a god or cast an idol that is worthless? 11Look, all his associates will be put to shame; the craftsmen are only men. 12The smith works with his tools, forming it, working over the coals. 13The carpenter measures the wood with a line, and marks it with a stylus. 14He cuts down cedars, or chooses a cypress tree or an oak tree. 15Then a man uses it for a fire and warms himself. Yes, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. 16He burns part of the wood for the fire, roasting his meat over it. He eats and is satisfied. 17With the rest of the wood he makes a god, his carved image; he bows down to it and reverences it, 18They do not know, nor do they understand, for their eyes are blind and cannot see, and their hearts cannot perceive. 19No one thinks, nor do they comprehend and say, 20It is as if he were eating ashes; his deceived heart misleads him. He cannot rescue himself, nor does he say, “This thing in my right hand is a false god.” 21Think about these things, Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant: 22I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your rebellious deeds, and like a cloud, your sins; 23Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done this; shout, you depths of the earth. 24This is what Yahweh says, your Redeemer, he who formed you from the womb: 25I who frustrate the omens of the empty talkers and who disgrace those who read omens; 26I, Yahweh, who confirmed the words of his servant and brings to pass the predictions of his messengers, 27who says to the deep sea, 'Be dry, and I will dry up your currents.'