7 This is something that is happening now, not long ago. You have not heard about it before today. So you cannot say, ‘We already knew that.’
8 But even in the past you didn’t listen. You didn’t learn anything. You never listen to what I say. I have always known that you would turn against me. You have rebelled against me from the time you were born.
9 “But I will be patient. I will do this for myself. People will praise me for not becoming angry and destroying you. You will praise me for waiting.
10 “Look, I will make you pure, but not in the way you make silver pure. I will make you pure by giving you troubles.
11 I will do this for myself—for me! I will not let you treat me as if I am not important. I will not let some false god take my glory and praise.
12 “Jacob, listen to me! Israel, I called you to be my people. So listen to me! I am the Beginning, and I am the End.
13 I made the earth with my own hands. My right hand made the sky. And if I call them, they will come to stand before me.