Isaiah 41:17–24

^17–20“The poor and homeless are desperate for water,

their tongues parched and no water to be found.

But I’m there to be found, I’m there for them,

and I, God of Israel, will not leave them thirsty.

I’ll open up rivers for them on the barren hills,

spout fountains in the valleys.

I’ll turn the baked-clay badlands into a cool pond,

the waterless waste into splashing creeks.

I’ll plant the red cedar in that treeless wasteland,

also acacia, myrtle, and olive.

I’ll place the cypress in the desert,

with plenty of oaks and pines.

Everyone will see this. No one can miss it—

unavoidable, indisputable evidence

That I, God, personally did this.

It’s created and signed by The Holy of Israel.

^21–24“Set out your case for your gods,” says God.

“Bring your evidence,” says the King of Jacob.

“Take the stand on behalf of your idols, offer arguments,

assemble reasons.

Spread out the facts before us

so that we can assess them ourselves.

Ask them, ‘If you are gods, explain what the past means—

or, failing that, tell us what will happen in the future.

Can’t do that?

How about doing something—anything!

Good or bad—whatever.

Can you hurt us or help us? Do we need to be afraid?’

They say nothing, because they are nothing—

sham gods, no-gods, fool-making gods.