Isaiah 48:16-22

16Come near to me! Listen to my message! From the beginning, I have not spoken secretly. When these things happen, I will already be there.’ Now the Almighty Lord has sent me, with the power of his Spirit.

17The Lord is your Redeemer, Israel's Holy God. He says, ‘I am the Lord your God. I teach you what will be good for you. I lead you along a good path in life.

18You should have obeyed my commands. Then you would have had peace in your lives, like a river that runs quietly. You would have been safe and well, like the strong waves in the sea.

19You would have had many descendants, as much as the sand on the shore of the sea. I would not need to destroy them. Their family name would continue for ever.’

20Now leave Babylon as free people! No longer serve the Babylonians! Shout the news with joy! Tell everyone about it, all over the world. Tell them that the Lord has redeemed his people, his servants, the Israelites.

21When he led them through the desert, they did not become thirsty. He broke open a rock for them, so that water poured out. They could drink as much as they needed.

22But the Lord says, ‘Wicked people will have no peace in their lives.’