21 Thou art a people, seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears to hear, but thou hearest not.
22 The Lord is not well pleased with such a people, but for his righteousness' sake he will magnify the law and make it honorable.
23 Thou art a people robbed and spoiled; thine enemies, all of them, have snared thee in holes, and they have hid thee in prison houses; they have taken thee for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.
24 Who among them will give ear unto thee, or hearken and hear thee for the time to come? and who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the Lord, he against whom they have sinned?
25 For they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law; therefore he hath poured upon them the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle; and they have set them on fire round about, yet they know not, and it burned them, yet they laid it not to heart.
Isaiah 43
Intro: God's promises to Israel.
1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior; I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not; for I am with thee; I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;