14 “For a long time I have kept silent,n

I have been quiet and held myself back.o

But now, like a woman in childbirth,

I cry out, I gasp and pant.p

15 I will lay wasteq the mountainsr and hills

and dry up all their vegetation;

I will turn rivers into islands

and dry ups the pools.

16 I will leadt the blindu by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

I will turn the darkness into lightv before them

and make the rough places smooth.w

These are the things I will do;

I will not forsakex them.

17 But those who trust in idols,

who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’y

will be turned back in utter shame.z

Israel Blind and Deaf

18 “Hear, you deaf;a

look, you blind, and see!

19 Who is blindb but my servant,c

and deaf like the messengerd I send?

Who is blind like the one in covenante with me,

blind like the servant of the Lord?

20 You have seen many things, but you pay no attention;

your ears are open, but you do not listen.”f

21 It pleased the Lord

for the sakeg of his righteousness

to make his lawh great and glorious.