^23 (A)Tell us what is to come hereafter,
    that we may know that you are gods;
^(B)do good, or do harm,
    that we may be dismayed and terrified.^[a]

⁹ Behold, the former things have come to pass,
    ^(A)and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
    I tell you of them.”

⁵ Their idols^[a] are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,
    and ^(A)they cannot speak;
^(B)they have to be carried,
    for they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of them,
    ^(C)for they cannot do evil,
    neither is it in them to do good.”

^7 (A)Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.^[a]
    Let him declare and set it before me,
since I appointed an ancient people.
    Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
⁸ Fear not, nor be afraid;
    have I not told you from of old and declared it?
    ^(B)And you are my witnesses!
^(C)Is there a God besides me?
    There is no ^(D)Rock; I know not any.”

     ^18 (A)known from of old.’

⁹     remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me,
^10 (A)declaring the end from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ^(B)‘My counsel shall stand,
    and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

^7 (A)They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it,
    they set it in its place, and it stands there;
    ^(B)it cannot move from its place.
If one cries to it, it does not answer
    or save him from his trouble.

⁷ I form light and create darkness;
    I make well-being and ^(A)create calamity;
    I am the Lord, who does all these things.