[1] Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the
cattle: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the
weary [animal]. [2] They stoop, they bow down together; they could not
deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. [3] Listen to
me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have
been borne [by me] from their birth, that have been carried from the womb;
[4] and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I
have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver. [5] To
whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be
like? [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 the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its
place, and it stands, from its place it shall not move: yes, one may cry to
it, yet it can not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. [8] Remember
this, and show yourselves men; bring it again to mind, you transgressors.
[9] Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none
else; [I am] God, and there is none like me; [10] declaring the end from
the beginning, and from ancient times 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 of my counsel from a far country;
yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will
also do it. [12] Listen to me, you stout-hearted, who are far from
righteousness: [13] I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off,
and my salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for
Israel my glory.
