Isaiah 46

1

Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne

by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about

are burdensome, a burden for the weary.

2

They stoop and bow down together;

unable to rescue the burden,

they themselves go off into captivity.

3

"Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of

the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived,

and have carried since your birth.

4

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he,

I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and

I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

5

"To whom will you compare me or count me equal?

To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?

6

Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out

silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,

and they bowdown and worship it.

7

They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place,

and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move.

Though one cries out to it, it does not answer;

it cannot save him from his troubles.

8

"Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels.

9

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God,

and there is not other; I am God, and there is none like me.

10

I make known the end from the beginning,

from ancient times, what is still to come. I say:

My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

11

From the east I summon a bird of prey;

from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.

What I have said, that will I bring about;

what I have planned, that will I do.

12

Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,

you who are far from righteousness.

13

I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away;

and my salvation will not be delayed.

I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.