1Bel bows down, Nebo stoops,

their idols are on beasts and cattle;

these things you carry are loaded

as burdens on weary animals.

2They stoop, they bow down together;

they cannot save the burden,

but themselves go into captivity.

3Listen to me, O house of Jacob,

all the remnant of the house of Israel,

who have been borne by me from your birth,

carried from the womb;

4even to your old age I am he,

even when you turn grey I will carry you.

I have made, and I will bear;

I will carry and will save.

5To whom will you liken me and make me equal,

and compare me, as though we were alike?

6Those who lavish gold from the purse,

and weigh out silver in the scales—

they hire a goldsmith, who makes it into a god;

then they fall down and worship!

7They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it,

they set it in its place, and it stands there;

it cannot move from its place.

If one cries out to it, it does not answer

or save anyone from trouble.

8Remember this and consider,46.8 Meaning of Heb uncertain

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

9remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is no one like me,

10declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, ‘My purpose shall stand,

and I will fulfil my intention’,

11calling a bird of prey from the east,

the man for my purpose from a far country.

I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;

I have planned, and I will do it.

12Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,

you who are far from deliverance:

13I bring near my deliverance, it is not far off,

and my salvation will not tarry;

I will put salvation in Zion,

for Israel my glory.