The Idols of Babylon
46 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops,
their idols are appointed to the beasts and the cattle.
The things that you carry are burdensome;
they are a burden to the weary beast.
2 They stoop, they bow down together;
they could not deliver the burden,
but themselves have gone into captivity.
3 Listen to Me, O house of Jacob,
and all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who are borne by Me from birth
and are carried from the womb:
4 And even to your old age I am He,
and even to your graying years I will carry you;
I have done it, and I will bear you;
even I will carry, and will deliver you.
5 To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal,
and compare Me that we may be alike?
6 They lavish gold out of the bag,
and weigh silver on the scales;
they hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god;
they fall down and worship it.
7 They lift it on the shoulder, they carry it,
and they set it in its place, and it stands;
from its place it does not move.
If one shall cry to it, it cannot answer
nor save him out of his trouble.
8 Remember this, and show yourselves men;
bring it to mind again, O 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 the things that are not yet done, saying,
“My counsel shall stand,
and I will do all My good pleasure,”
11 calling a ravenous bird from the east,
the man who executes My counsel from a far country.
Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass.
I have purposed it; I will also do it.
12 Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted,
who are far from righteousness;
13 I bring My righteousness near;
it shall not be far off,
and My salvation shall not tarry.
And I will grant salvation in Zion,
and My glory for Israel.
