1 Bel crouches down, Nebo bends low; their idols are consigned to animals and cattle. The things you used to carry in procession are now loaded up, a burden for weary beasts.
2 They bend low and crouch down together; they cannot save the load, and they themselves go off into captivity.
3 "Listen to me, house of Jacob, all who remain of the house of Israel, you who have been carried since you were in the belly, borne along since you left the womb:
4 right up to your old age I am he, and until your hair turns gray I will carry you. I have made you and I will bear you; I will carry you and I will rescue you.
5 To whom will you compare me or make me equal? To whom will you liken me, as if we were alike?
6 Some pour gold out of a purse and weigh silver on the scales; they hire a smith, who makes it into a god, and they fall down and worship it.
7 They hoist it onto their shoulders and carry it, then set it down in its place, and there it stands; it does not budge from its spot. Someone may cry out to it, but it does not answer; it does not save him from his distress.
8 Remember this and be men; bring it back to mind, you rebels.
9 Remember the earlier things from long ago, for I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is none like me.
10 From the beginning I announce the end, and from ancient times what has not yet been done; I say, 'My plan will stand, and everything I wish I will do.'
11 I call a bird of prey from the east, from a distant land the man to carry out my plan. I have spoken, and I will bring it about; I have planned it, and I will do it.
12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness:
13 I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away, and my salvation will not be late. I will grant salvation in Zion, and to Israel my splendor."