Chapter 46
1 Bel bows down . Nebo stoops . Their idols are carried by animals , and on the livestock. The things that you carried around are heavy loads , a burden for the weary .
2 They stoop and they bow down together . They could not deliver the burden , but they have gone into captivity .
3 " Listen to me , house of Jacob , and all the remnant of the house of Israel , that have been carried from their birth, that have been carried from the womb .
4 Even to old age I am he , and even to gray hairs I will carry you . I have made , and I will bear . Yes, I will carry , and will deliver .
5 " To whom will you compare me , and consider my equal , and compare me , as if we were the same?
6 Some pour out gold from the bag , and weigh silver in the balance . They hire a goldsmith , and he makes it a god. They fall down — yes, they worship .
7 They bear it on their shoulder . They carry it , and set it in its place , and it stands there . It cannot move from its place . Yes, one may cry to it , yet it can not answer . It cannot save him out of his trouble .
8 " Remember this , and show yourselves men. Bring it to mind again , you transgressors .
9 Remember the former things of old ; for I am God, and there is no other . I am God, and there is none like me .
10 I declare the end from the beginning , and from ancient times things that are not yet done . I say: My counsel will stand , and I will do all that I please.
11 I call a ravenous bird from the east , the man of my counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken . I will also bring it to pass . I have planned . I will also do it .
12 Listen to me , you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness !
13 I bring my righteousness near . It is not far off , and my salvation will not wait. I will grant salvation to Zion , my glory to Israel .