“‘Set forth your case!’
Says Yahweh.
‘Bring your proofs!’
Says the King of Jacob.
Let them bring them!
Tell us!
What is to happen?
Tell us the former things!
What are they?
Thus we may consider them.
Thus we may know their outcome.
Declare to us the things to come!
Tell us what is to come hereafter!
Thus we may know that you are gods!
Do good!
Do harm!
Thus we may be afraid.
Thus we may be terrified.
You are indeed nothing!
Your work is nothing at all!
Whoever chooses you
Is an abomination.”
Yahweh challenges the people with other gods to respond. He wanted them to present their case or proof for their gods. Could their gods tell people about past things or future things? Can they do some good or harm? Can they make people afraid or terrified? Instead, Yahweh maintains that these gods are nothing and their work is nothing at all. Thus anyone who chooses these gods is an abomination, pure and simple.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 