[1] Bel and Nebo bow down. Their idols are carried by animals. The statues are only heavy loads that must be carried; they only make people tired. [2] These gods will all bow down. They cannot save themselves but will all be carried away like prisoners. [3] "Family of Jacob, listen to me! All you people from Israel who are still alive, listen! I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. [4] Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. [5] "Can you compare me to anyone? No one is equal to me or like me. [6] Some people are rich with gold and weigh their silver on the scales. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god. Then they bow down and worship it. [7] They put it on their shoulders and carry it. They set it in its place, and there it stands; it cannot move from its place. People may yell at it, but it cannot answer. It cannot save them from their troubles. [8] "Remember this, and do not forget it! Think about these things, you who turn against God. [9] Remember what happened long ago. Remember that I am God, and there is no other God. I am God, and there is no one like me. [10] From the beginning I told you what would happen in the end. A long time ago I told you things that have not yet happened. When I plan something, it happens. What I want to do, I will do. [11] I am calling a man from the east to carry out my plan; he will come like a hawk from a country far away. I will make what I have said come true; I will do what I have planned. [12] Listen to me, you stubborn people, who are far from what is right. [13] I will soon do the things that are right. I will bring salvation soon. I will save Jerusalem and bring glory to Israel."
