²³     tell us what the future holds,
    so we may know^(A) that you are gods.
Do something, whether good or bad,^(B)
    so that we will be dismayed^(C) and filled with fear.

⁹ See, the former things^(A) have taken place,
    and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
    I announce^(B) them to you.”

⁵ Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
    their idols cannot speak;^(A)
they must be carried
    because they cannot walk.^(B)
Do not fear them;
    they can do no harm^(C)
    nor can they do any good.”^(D)

¹⁸     things known from long ago.^[a](A)

⁹ Remember the former things,^(A) those of long ago;^(B)
    I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.^(C)
10 I make known the end from the beginning,^(D)
    from ancient times,^(E) what is still to come.^(F)
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,^(G)
    and I will do all that I please.’

⁷ They lift it to their shoulders and carry^(A) it;
    they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
    From that spot it cannot move.^(B)
Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;^(C)
    it cannot save^(D) them from their troubles.

⁷ I form the light and create darkness,^(A)
    I bring prosperity and create disaster;^(B)
    I, the Lord, do all these things.

⁸ “You heavens above, rain^(C) down my righteousness;^(D)
    let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
    let salvation^(E) spring up,
let righteousness flourish with it;
    I, the Lord, have created it.