12 Let those who live in distant landsgive praise and glory to the Lord!
13 The Lord goes out to fight like a warrior;he is ready and eager for battle.He gives a war cry, a battle shout;he shows his power against his enemies.
14 God says,“For a long time I kept silent;I did not answer my people.But now the time to act has come;I cry out like a woman in labour.
15 I will destroy the hills and mountainsand dry up the grass and trees.I will turn the river valleys into desertsand dry up the pools of water.
16 “I will lead my blind peopleby roads they have never travelled.I will turn their darkness into lightand make rough country smooth before them.These are my promises,and I will keep them without fail.
17 All who trust in idols,who call images their gods,will be humiliated and disgraced.”
18 The Lord says,“Listen, you deaf people!Look closely, you that are blind!