1 Bel bows down; Nebo stoops over. Their idols are for beasts and cattle. The things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts.
2 They stoop, they bow down together, they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.
3 “Listen to Me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, borne by Me from birth, carried from the womb.
4 Even to your old age I will be the same, until you are gray I will carry you. I have done it; I will bear you; I will carry you; I will deliver you.
5 To whom will you liken Me, or make Me equal or compare Me, that we should be alike?
6 They lavish gold from a purse and weigh out silver on the scales. They hire a goldsmith so he makes a god. They bow down. Yes, they worship it.
7 They lift it upon a shoulder and carry it. They set in its place and there it stands. It does not budge from its place. Even if one cry to it, it cannot answer, nor save anyone from his trouble.”
8 “Remember this, and be assured. Recall it to mind, you transgressors.
9 Remember the former things of old: For I am God—there is no other. I am God, and there is none like Me—
10 declaring the end from the beginning, from ancient time, what is yet to come, saying, “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all that I please.”
11 From the east I am calling a bird of prey, a man for My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; I will bring it to pass; I have planned it; surely I will do it.
12 Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness:
13 I bring My justice near, it is not far off. So My salvation will not delay. I put salvation in Zion, My glory in Israel.”