[1] Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Idols depicting them are consigned to beasts and cattle. The images you carry are loaded, as a burden for the weary animal. [2] The gods cower; they crouch together; they are not able to rescue the burden, but they themselves go into captivity. [3] "Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. [4] I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and rescue you. [5] "To whom will you compare me or make me equal? Who will you measure me with, so that we should be like each other? [6] Those who pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales- they hire a goldsmith and he makes it into a god. Then they kneel and bow down to it. [7] They lift it to their shoulder and bear it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands; it does not budge from its place. They cry out to it but it doesn't answer; it saves no one from his trouble. [8] "Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors! [9] Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like me. [10] I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will. [11] I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for my purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it. [12] Listen to me, you hardhearted, far removed from justice: [13] I am bringing my justice near; it is not far away, and my salvation will not delay. I will put salvation in Zion, my splendor in Israel.
