1 Bel bowed down; Nebo is fallen; their images were placed upon animals and upon beasts of burden that will carry you, laden with yourselves, burden of weariness. 2 They stoop, they are fallen together; they could not escape from the burden, and their soul had to go into captivity.
3 Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: 4 And even to your old age I am he, and even to grey hairs I will carry you; I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will deliver you.
5 To whom will ye liken me and make me equal and compare me that we may be alike? 6 They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver in the balance and hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; they fall down and worship. 7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him and set him in his place. There he is; he does not move from his place; they cry unto him, and neither does he answer, nor save from the tribulation.
8 Remember this, and be ashamed, bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is no one like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes my counsel from a far country; I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it; I will also do it.
12 Hearken unto me, ye hard of heart, that are far from righteousness; 13 I cause my righteousness to come near; it shall not go away; and my salvation shall not be stayed: and I will place salvation in Zion; and my glory in Israel.