This is what the LORD says –

Israel’s King and Redeemer,

the LORD Almighty:

I am the first and I am the last;

apart from me there is no God.

Who then is like me?

Let him proclaim it.

Let him declare and lay out before me

What has happened since I established my ancient people,

And what is yet to come –

Yes, let him foretell what will come…

All who make idols are nothing,

And the things they treasure are worthless…

He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him;

He cannot save himself, or say,

‘Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?’

Remember these things,

O Jacob,

For you are my servant,

O Israel.

I have made you, you are my servant;

O Israel, I will not forget you.

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,

Your sins like the morning mist.

Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

Isaiah 44:6,7, 9a, 20-22