2 I will stand at my watch^(A)
    and station myself on the ramparts;^(B)
I will look to see what he will say^(C) to me,
    and what answer I am to give to this complaint.^[a](D)

“Write^(E) down the revelation
    and make it plain on tablets
    so that a herald^[b] may run with it.
³ For the revelation awaits an appointed time;^(F)
    it speaks of the end^(G)
    and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait^(H) for it;
    it^[c] will certainly come
    and will not delay.^(I)

⁴ “See, the enemy is puffed up;
    his desires are not upright—
    but the righteous person^(J) will live by his faithfulness^[d](K)—

¹⁸ “Of what value^(A) is an idol^(B) carved by a craftsman?
    Or an image^(C) that teaches lies?
For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation;
    he makes idols that cannot speak.^(D)
19 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’
    Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’^(E)
Can it give guidance?
    It is covered with gold and silver;^(F)
    there is no breath in it.”^(G)

²⁰ The Lord is in his holy temple;^(H)
    let all the earth be silent^(I) before him.