⁹ All the nations gather together^(A)
    and the peoples assemble.
Which of their gods foretold^(B) this
    and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
    so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

²¹ “Present your case,^(A)” says the Lord.
    “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.^(B)
22 “Tell us, you idols,
    what is going to happen.^(C)
Tell us what the former things^(D) were,
    so that we may consider them
    and know their final outcome.
Or declare to us the things to come,^(E)
23     tell us what the future holds,
    so we may know^(F) that you are gods.
Do something, whether good or bad,^(G)
    so that we will be dismayed^(H) and filled with fear.
²⁴ But you are less than nothing^(I)
    and your works are utterly worthless;^(J)
    whoever chooses you is detestable.^(K)

²⁵ “I have stirred^(L) up one from the north,^(M) and he comes—
    one from the rising sun who calls on my name.
He treads^(N) on rulers as if they were mortar,
    as if he were a potter treading the clay.
²⁶ Who told of this from the beginning,^(O) so we could know,
    or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’?
No one told of this,
    no one foretold^(P) it,
    no one heard any words^(Q) from you.

⁹ All who make idols^(F) are nothing,
    and the things they treasure are worthless.^(G)
Those who would speak up for them are blind;^(H)
    they are ignorant, to their own shame.^(I)

²⁶ Review the past for me,
    let us argue the matter together;^(A)
    state the case^(B) for your innocence.