Babylonia's gods are helpless

The LORD said:

1The gods Bel and Nebo46.1 Bel and Nebo: Bel was another name for Marduk, the chief god of the Babylonians. Nebo was the son of Marduk and also an important god.

are down on their knees,

as wooden images of them

are carried away

on weary animals.46.1 as…animals: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

2They are down on their knees

to rescue the heavy load,

but the images are still taken

to a foreign country.

3You survivors in Israel,

listen to me, the LORD.

Since the day you were born,

I have carried you along.

4I will still be the same

when you are old and grey,

and I will take care of you.

I created you. I will carry you

and always keep you safe.

5Can anyone compare with me?

Is anyone my equal?

6Some people hire a goldsmith

and give silver and gold

to be formed into an idol

for them to worship.

7They carry the idol

on their shoulders,

then put it on a stand,

but it cannot move.

They call out to the idol

when they are in trouble,

but it doesn't answer,

and it cannot help.

8Now keep this in mind,46.8 Now…mind: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

you sinful people.

And don't ever forget it.

The LORD alone is God

9I alone am God!

There are no other gods;

no one is like me.

Think about what happened

many years ago.

10From the very beginning,

I told what would happen

long before it took place.

I kept my word 11and brought

someone from a distant land

to do what I wanted.

He attacked from the east,

like a hawk swooping down.

Now I will keep my promise

and do what I planned.

12You people are stubborn

and far from being safe,

so listen to me.

13I will soon come to save you.

I am not far away

and will waste no time;

I take pride in Israel

and will save Jerusalem.