1 Bel crouches down; Nebo cowers.Their idols sit on animals, on beasts.The objects you once carried aboutare now borne as burdens by the weary animals.
2 They crouch down and cower together.They aren’t able to rescue the burden,but they themselves go into captivity.
3 Listen to me, house of Jacob,all that remains from the house of Israelwho have been borne by me since pregnancy,whom I carried from the womb
4 until you grow old. I am the one,and until you turn gray I will support you.I have done it, and I will continue to bear it;I will support and I will rescue.
5 To whom will you liken me and count me equaland compare me so that we are alike?
6 Those who pour out gold from a bagand weigh silver with a balancehire a metalworker; then he makes a god.They bow down; they worship;
7 they carry the idol on their shoulders and support it;they set it down, and it stands still,unable to move from its place.If one cries out to it, it doesn’t answer.It can’t save people from their distress.
8 Remember this and take courage;take it to heart, you rebels.
9 Remember the prior things—from long ago;I am God, and there’s no other.I am God! There’s none like me,
10 who tells the end at the beginning,from ancient times things not yet done,saying, "My plan will stand;all that I decide I will do,"
11 I call a bird of prey from the east,a man from a distant land for my plan.As surely as I have spoken, I’ll make it happen;I have planned, and yes, I’ll do it.
12 Listen to me, you bullheaded peoplewho are far from victory:
13 I’m bringing my victory near—it isn’t far,and my salvation—it won’t delay.I will establish salvation in Zionand grant my splendor to Israel.