²³ Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead.
    Then we will know you are gods.
In fact, do anything—good or bad!
    Do something that will amaze and frighten us.

⁹ Everything I prophesied has come true,
    and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.”

⁵ Their gods are like
    helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field!
They cannot speak,
    and they need to be carried because they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of such gods,
    for they can neither harm you nor do you any good.”

⁷ Who is like me?
    Let him step forward and prove to you his power.
Let him do as I have done since ancient times
    when I established a people and explained its future.
⁸ Do not tremble; do not be afraid.
    Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?
You are my witnesses—is there any other God?
    No! There is no other Rock—not one!”

¹⁸     he who made these things known so long ago.’^[a]

⁹ Remember the things I have done in the past.
    For I alone am God!
    I am God, and there is none like me.
¹⁰ Only I can tell you the future
    before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
    for I do whatever I wish.

⁷ They carry it around on their shoulders,
    and when they set it down, it stays there.
    It can’t even move!
And when someone prays to it, there is no answer.
    It can’t rescue anyone from trouble.

⁷     I create the light and make the darkness.
I send good times and bad times.
    I, the Lord, am the one who does these things.

⁸ “Open up, O heavens,
    and pour out your righteousness.
Let the earth open wide
    so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together.
    I, the Lord, created them.

³ And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—
    secret riches.
I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,
    the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.