[1] Bel is bent down, Nebo is falling; their images are on the beasts and
on the cattle: the things which you took about have become a weight to the
tired beast. [2] They are bent down, they are falling together: they were
not able to keep their images safe, but they themselves have been taken
prisoner. [3] Give ear to me, O family of Jacob, and all the rest of the
people of Israel, who have been supported by me from their birth, and have
been my care from their earliest days: [4] Even when you are old I will be
the same, and when you are grey-haired I will take care of you: I will
still be responsible for what I made; yes, I will take you and keep you
safe. [5] Who in your eyes is my equal? or what comparison will you make
with me? [6] As for those who take gold out of a bag, and put silver in the
scales, they give payment to a gold-worker, to make it into a god; they go
down on their faces and give it worship. [7] They put him on their backs,
and take him up, and put him in his fixed place, from which he may not be
moved; if a man gives a cry for help to him, he is unable to give an
answer, or get him out of his trouble. [8] Keep this in mind and be shamed;
let it come back to your memory, you sinners. [9] Let the things which are
past come to your memory: for I am God, and there is no other; I am God,
and there is no one like me; [10] Making clear from the first what is to
come, and from past times the things which have not so far come about;
saying, My purpose is fixed, and I will do all my pleasure; [11] Sending
for a bird of strong flight from the east, the man of my purpose from a far
country; I have said it, and I will give effect to it; the thing designed
by me will certainly be done. [12] Give ear to me, you feeble-hearted, who
have no faith in my righteousness: [13] My righteousness is near, it is not
far off; salvation will come quickly; and I will make Zion free, and give
Israel my glory.
