The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but then night. If you want to ask, ask; come back again.”

The coastlands see and are afraid; the whole earth trembles; they approach and come.

All you wild animals in the fields, come and devour, all you wild animals in the forest!

Bring out some water for the thirsty. You who live in the land of Tema, bring some food for the fugitives.

Each one says, ‘Come on, I’ll get some wine! Let’s guzzle some beer! Tomorrow will be just like today! We’ll have everything we want!’

Predict how future events will turn out, so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe.

I have stirred up one out of the north and he advances, one from the eastern horizon who prays in my name. He steps on rulers as if they were clay, like a potter treading the clay.

Who is like me? Let him make his claim! Let him announce it and explain it to me – since I established an ancient people – let them announce future events!

This is what the Lord says, the Holy One of Israel, the one who formed him, concerning things to come: “How dare you question me about my children! How dare you tell me what to do with the work of my own hands!