7. These things are happening now, not long ago;you have not heard about them before today.So you cannot say, ‘We already knew about that.’
8. But you have not heard me; you have not understood.Even long ago you did not listen to me.I knew you would surely turn against me;you have fought against me since you were born.
9. But for my own sake I will be patient.People will praise me for not becoming angryand destroying you.
10. I have made you pure, but not by fire, as silver is made pure.I have purified you by giving you troubles.
11. I do this for myself, for my own sake.I will not let people speak evil against me,and I will not let some god take my glory.
12. “People of Jacob, listen to me.People of Israel, I have called you to be my people.I am God;I am the beginning and the end.
13. I made the earth with my own hands.With my right hand I spread out the skies.When I call them,they come together before me.”
14. All of you, come together and listen.None of the gods said these things would happen.The Lord has chosen someoneto attack the Babylonians;he will carry out his wishes against Babylon.