1 Bel and Nebo bow down.Their idols are carried by animals.The statues are only heavy loads that must be carried;they only make people tired.
2 These gods will all bow down.They cannot save themselvesbut will all be carried away like prisoners.
3 “Family of Jacob, listen to me!All you people from Israel who are still alive, listen!I have carried you since you were born;I have taken care of you from your birth.
4 Even when you are old, I will be the same.Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you.I made you and will take care of you.I will carry you and save you.
5 “Can you compare me to anyone?No one is equal to me or like me.
6 Some people are rich with goldand weigh their silver on the scales.They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god.Then they bow down and worship it.
7 They put it on their shoulders and carry it.They set it in its place, and there it stands;it cannot move from its place.People may yell at it, but it cannot answer.It cannot save them from their troubles.
8 “Remember this, and do not forget it!Think about these things, you who turn against God.
9 Remember what happened long ago.Remember that I am God, and there is no other God.I am God, and there is no one like me.
10 From the beginning I told you what would happen in the end.A long time ago I told you things that have not yet happened.When I plan something, it happens.What I want to do, I will do.
11 I am calling a man from the east to carry out my plan;he will come like a hawk from a country far away.I will make what I have said come true;I will do what I have planned.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn people,who are far from what is right.
13 I will soon do the things that are right.I will bring salvation soon.I will save Jerusalemand bring glory to Israel.”