Isaiah 46

1. Bel bows down, N’vo stoops low; 1 their idols are borne by animals, beasts of burden. 1 The loads you yourselves were carrying 1 are now burdening tired animals.

2. They stoop and bow down together; 2 they cannot save the burden, 2 but themselves go into captivity.

3. “Listen to me, house of Ya‘akov, 3 all who remain of the house of Isra’el: 3 I have borne you from birth, 3 carried you since the womb.

4. Till your old age I will be the same — 4 I will carry you until your hair is white. 4 I have made you, and I will bear you; 4 yes, I will carry and save you.

5. To whom will you liken me and equate me? 5 With whom will you compare me, as if we were similar?”

6. They squander the gold from their bags 6 and weigh silver on a scale; 6 they hire a goldsmith to make a god, 6 before which they fall down and worship!

7. It is borne on shoulders and carried, 7 then set in its place; and there it stands. 7 From its place it does not move. 7 If one cries to it, it cannot answer 7 or save anyone from his troubles.

8. Remember this, and stand firm. 8 Keep it in mind, you rebels.

9. “Remember things that happened 9 at the beginning, long ago — 9 that I am God, and there is no other; 9 I am God, and there is none like me.

10. At the beginning I announce the end, 10 proclaim in advance things not yet done; 10 and I say that my plan will hold, 10 I will do everything I please to do.

11. I call a bird of prey from the east, 11 the man I intended, from a distant country. 11 I have spoken and will bring it about; 11 I have made a plan, and I will fulfill it.

12. Listen to me, you stubborn people, 12 so far from righteousness:

13. I am bringing my justice nearer, 13 it is not far away; 13 my salvation will not be delayed, 13 I will place my salvation in Tziyon 13 for Isra’el my glory.