Study

46

Bel bows down, Nebo stoops,

their idols are on beasts and cattle;

these things you carry are loaded

as burdens on weary animals.

2

They stoop, they bow down together;

they cannot save the burden,

but themselves go into captivity.

 

3

Listen 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;

4

even to your old age I am he,

even when you turn gray I will carry you.

I have made, and I will bear;

I will carry and will save.

 

5

To whom will you liken me and make me equal,

and compare me, as though we were alike?

6

Those 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!

7

They 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.

 

8

Remember this and consider,

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

9

remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

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

10

declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, “My purpose shall stand,

and I will fulfill my intention,”

11

calling 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.

 

12

Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,

you who are far from deliverance:

13

I 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.