1 Babylon’s Idols and the True God Bel has bowed down, Nebo stoops over;Their idols are on the beasts [of burden] and on the cattle.Your burdens [of idols] are loaded [on them],Burdens on the wearyanimals.
2 They stooped over, they have bowed down together;They could not rescue the burden [of their own idols],But have themselves gone into captivity.
3 “Listen to Me,” [says the L], “O house of Jacob,And all the remnant of the house of Israel,You who have been carriedby Mefrom your birthAnd have been carried [in My arms] from the womb,
4 Even toyourold age I am He,And even toyouradvanced old age I will carry you!I have madeyou,and I will carryyou;Be assured I will carryyouand I will saveyou.
5 “To whom would you liken MeAnd make Me equal and compare Me,That we may be alike?
6 Those who lavish gold from the bagAnd weigh out silver on the scalesHire a goldsmith, and he makes itintoa god;They bow down, indeed they worship it.
7 They lift it on their shoulders [in religious processions or into battle] and carry it;They set it in its place andthereit remains standing.It cannot move from its place.Even if one cries to it [for help], the idol cannot answer;It cannot save him from his distress.
8 “Remember this, and take courage;Take it to heart, you rebelliousanddisloyal people.
9 Remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past;For I am God, and there is no one else;I amGod, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the endandthe result from the beginning,And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done,Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,And I will do all that pleases Meandfulfills My purpose,’
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,From a far country, the man (Cyrus) of My purpose.Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.I have planned it,be assuredI will do it.
12 “Listen to Me, you stiff-neckedpeople,You who are far from righteousness (right standing with God).
13 I bring near My righteousness [in the salvation of Israel], it is not far away;And My salvation will not delay.And I will grant salvation in Zion,And My glory for Israel.