Isaiah 30:15-18

New International Reader's Version

“You will find peace and rest
    when you turn away from your sins and depend on me.
You will receive the strength you need
    when you stay calm and trust in me.
    But you do not want to do what I tell you to.
¹⁶ You said, ‘No. We’ll escape on horses.’
    So you will have to escape!
You said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses.’
    So those who chase you will use faster horses!
¹⁷ When one of them dares you to fight,
    a thousand of you will run away.
When five of them dare you,
    all of you will run away.
So few of you will be left that you will be
    like a flagpole on top of a mountain.
    You will be like only one banner on a hill.”

¹⁸ But the Lord wants to have mercy on you.
    So he will rise up to give you his tender love.
The Lord is a God who is always fair.
    Blessed are all those who wait for him to act!