² When I came, why was there no one?
    When I called, why was there no one to answer?^(A)
Was my arm too short^(B) to deliver you?
    Do I lack the strength^(C) to rescue you?
By a mere rebuke^(D) I dry up the sea,^(E)
    I turn rivers into a desert;^(F)
their fish rot for lack of water
    and die of thirst.

²⁴ Before they call^(A) I will answer;^(B)
    while they are still speaking^(C) I will hear.

¹⁵ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’^[a](A)

⁹ Then you will call,^(A) and the Lord will answer;^(B)
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
    with the pointing finger^(C) and malicious talk,^(D)