1
Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low;
their idols are borne by beasts of burden. 1
The images that are carried about are burdensome,
a burden for the weary.
2
They stoop and bow down together;
unable to rescue the burden,
they themselves go off into captivity.
3
"Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
and have carried since you were born.
4
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
5
"With whom will you compare me or count me equal?
To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?
6
Some pour out gold from their bags
and weigh out silver on the scales;
they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,
and they bow down and worship it.
7
They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
From that spot it cannot move.
Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;
it cannot save them from their troubles.
8
"Remember this, keep it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.
9
Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
10
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, 'My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.'
11
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
what I have planned, that I will do.
12
Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are now far from my righteousness.
13
I am bringing my righteousness near,
it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my splendor to Israel.