Gods of Babylon
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 comared?
6
Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the sales;
they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down 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 creis out to it, it does not answer;
it cannot save him from his troubles.
8
"Remmeber 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 no 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 or prey; from a far-off land,
a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will bring about;
what I have planned, that will Ido.
12
Listen to me, you stubborn-heared, 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.
