20 The wild animals honour me,the jackals and the owls,because I provide water in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland,to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myselfthat they may proclaim my praise.
22 ‘Yet you have not called on me, Jacob,you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel.
23 You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,nor honoured me with your sacrifices.I have not burdened you with grain offeringsnor wearied you with demands for incense.
24 You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.But you have burdened me with your sinsand wearied me with your offences.
25 ‘I, even I, am he who blots outyour transgressions, for my own sake,and remembers your sins no more.
26 Review the past for me,let us argue the matter together;state the case for your innocence.