1
Bel bows down, Nebo stoops,
their idols are on beasts and cattle;
these things you carry are loaded
as burdens on weary animals.
2
They stoop, they bow down together;
they cannot save the burden,
but themselves go into captivity.
3
Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from your birth,
carried from the womb;
4
even to your old age I am he,
even when you turn gray I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.
5
To whom will you liken me and make me equal,
and compare me, as though we were alike?
6
Those who lavish gold from the purse,
and weigh out silver in the scales--
they hire a goldsmith, who makes it into a god;
then they fall down and worship!
7
They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it,
they set it in its place, and it stands there;
it cannot move from its place.
If one cries out to it, it does not answer
or save anyone from trouble.
8
Remember this and consider, 1
recall it to mind, you transgressors,
9
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like me,
10
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, "My purpose shall stand,
and I will fulfill my intention,"
11
calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man for my purpose from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have planned, and I will do it.
12
Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,
you who are far from deliverance:
13
I bring near my deliverance, it is not far off,
and my salvation will not tarry;
I will put salvation in Zion,
for Israel my glory.