[1] 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.
