1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops,their idols set upon beasts and cattle;They must be borne upon shoulders,a load for weary animals.
2 They stoop and bow down together;unable to deliver those who bear them,they too go into captivity.
3 Hear me, O house of Jacob,all the remnant of the house of Israel,My burden from the womb,whom I have carried since birth.
4 Even to your old age I am he,even when your hair is gray I will carry you;I have done this, and I will lift you up,I will carry you to safety.
5 To whom would you liken me as an equal,compare me, as though we were alike?
6 There are those who pour out gold from a purseand weigh out silver on the scales;They hire a goldsmith to make it into a godbefore which they bow down in worship.
7 They lift it to their shoulders to carry;when they set it down, it stays,and does not move from the place.They cry out to it, but it cannot answer;it delivers no one from distress.
8 Remember this and be firm,take it to heart, you rebels;
9 remember the former things, those long ago:I am God, there is no other;I am God, there is none like me.
10 At the beginning I declare the outcome;from of old, things not yet done.I say that my plan shall stand,I accomplish my every desire.
11 I summon from the east a bird of prey,from a distant land, one to carry out my plan.Yes, I have spoken, I will accomplish it;I have planned it, and I will do it.
12 Listen to me, you fainthearted,far from the victory of justice:
13 I am bringing on that victory, it is not far off,my salvation shall not tarry;I will put salvation within Zion,give to Israel my glory.