43 But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Others were given in exchange for you. You are honored, and I love you. 5 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. 6 I will say to the north and south, from the distant corners of the earth. 7 Bring all who claim me as their God, It was I who created them.’” 8 Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. 9 Gather the nations together! Who can verify that they spoke the truth? 10 “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD. there never has been, and there never will be. 11 I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. 12 First I predicted your rescue, says the LORD. 13 “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can undo what I have done.” 14 This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: forcing the Babylonians to flee in those ships they are so proud of. 15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. 16 I am the LORD, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. 17 I called forth the mighty army of Egypt their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick. 18 “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. 20 The wild animals in the fields will thank me, so my chosen people can be refreshed. 21 I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honor me before the whole world. 22 “But, dear family of Jacob, you refuse to ask for my help. You have grown tired of me, O Israel! 23 You have not brought me sheep or goats for burnt offerings. with requests for grain offerings and frankincense. 24 You have not brought me fragrant calamus and wearied me with your faults. 25 “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. 26 Let us review the situation together, and you can present your case to prove your innocence. 27 From the very beginning, your first ancestor sinned against me; all your leaders broke my laws. 28 That is why I have disgraced your priests; and shame for Israel.