⁹ Woe to those who strive with their Maker,
    earthen vessels with the potter!^[a]
Does the clay say to the one who fashions it, “What are you making”?
    or “Your work has no handles”?^(A)
10 Woe to anyone who says to a father, “What are you fathering?”
    or to a woman, “With what are you in labor?”
¹¹ Thus says the Lord,
    the Holy One of Israel and its Maker:
Will you question me^[b] about my children
    or command me concerning the work of my hands?^(B)
12 I made the earth
    and created humankind upon it;
it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,
    and I commanded all their host.^(C)
13 I have aroused Cyrus^[c] in righteousness,
    and I will make all his paths straight;
he shall build my city
    and set my exiles free,
not for price or reward,
    says the Lord of hosts.^(D)