Isaiah 46

¹ Bel is crouching. Nebo cringing.[*a] Their idols are being loaded on animals, on beasts of burden, carried off like bundles on weary beasts.

² They are cringing and crouching together, powerless to save the ones who carry them, as they themselves go off into captivity.

³ ‘Listen to me, House of Jacob, all you who remain of the House of Israel, you who have been carried since birth, whom I have carried since the time you were born.

⁴ ‘In your old age I shall be still the same, when your hair is grey I shall still support you. I have already done so, I have carried you, I shall still support and deliver you.’

⁵ To whom can you compare me, equate me, to whom claim I am similar, or comparable?

⁶ These prodigals weigh out gold from their purses and silver on the scales. They engage a goldsmith to make a god then worship and prostrate themselves before it.

⁷ They lift it on their shoulders and carry it, and put it where it is meant to stand. It never moves from the spot. You may invoke it, it never replies, It never saves anyone in trouble.

⁸ Remember this and be dismayed, stir your memories again, you sinners,

⁹ remember things long past. I am God unrivalled God who has no like.

¹⁰ From the beginning I foretold the future, and predicted beforehand what is to be. I say: My purpose shall last; I will do whatever I choose.

¹¹ I call a bird of prey from the east, my man of destiny from a far country. No sooner is it said than done, no sooner planned than performed.

¹² Listen to me, faint hearts, who feel far from victory.

¹³ I bring my victory near, already it is close, my salvation will not be late. I will give salvation to Zion, my glory shall be for Israel.