[1] Bel crouches down; Nebo cowers. Their idols sit on animals, on beasts. The objects you once carried about are now borne as burdens by the weary animals. [2] They crouch down and cower together. They aren’t able to rescue the burden, but they themselves go into captivity. [3] Listen to me, house of Jacob, all that remains from the house of Israel who have been borne by me since pregnancy, whom I carried from the womb [4] until you grow old. I am the one, and until you turn gray I will support you. I have done it, and I will continue to bear it; I will support and I will rescue. [5] To whom will you liken me and count me equal and compare me so that we are alike? [6] Those who pour out gold from a bag and weigh silver with a balance hire a metalworker; then he makes a god. They bow down; they worship; [7] they carry the idol on their shoulders and support it; they set it down, and it stands still, unable to move from its place. If one cries out to it, it doesn’t answer. It can’t save people from their distress. [8] Remember this and take courage; take it to heart, you rebels. [9] Remember the prior things—from long ago; I am God, and there’s no other. I am God! There’s none like me, [10] who tells the end at the beginning, from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My plan will stand; all that I decide I will do,” [11] I call a bird of prey from the east, a man from a distant land for my plan. As surely as I have spoken, I’ll make it happen; I have planned, and yes, I’ll do it. [12] Listen to me, you bullheaded people who are far from victory: [13] I’m bringing my victory near—it isn’t far, and my salvation—it won’t delay. I will establish salvation in Zion and grant my splendor to Israel.
