1Bel bows down, Nebo stoops. Their idols are loaded onto animals and livestock. The images you once carried are now heavy burdens, a load for the tired beasts.
2They all stoop and bow down together; they cannot rescue the burden, but are themselves carried away into captivity.
3“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all who remain of the household of Israel, you whom I have carried from birth, and have taken care of since you were in the womb.
4Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair turns gray, I will carry you. I made you, and I will take care of you; I will carry you and save you.”
5Who will you compare me to, and consider my equal? Who will you compare me with as if we are alike?
6Some people pour out gold from a bag and weigh silver on a scale. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god. They bow down and worship it.
7They carry it on their shoulder. They bring it and set it in its place, and it stands there. It cannot move from its place. Even if someone cries out to it, it cannot answer. It cannot save them from their troubles.
8Remember this, and act like men. Think about this again, you rebels.
9Remember the things that happened long ago, because I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is no one like me.
10I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, things that have not yet happened. I say, 'My plan will stand, and I will do everything I please.'
11I call a bird of prey from the east, a man who will carry out my plan, from a faraway country. Yes, I have spoken, and I will make it happen. I have planned it, and I will do it.
12Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are far from doing what is right!
13I am bringing my justice near; it is not far off, and my salvation will not be delayed. I will bring salvation to Zion, my glory to Israel.