CHAPTER 46
Bel
crouches;
Nebo
cowers.
Their idols
weigh down beasts
and cattle.
The images you carry
are burdensome,
a load
to the weary animal.
The gods cower;
they crouch
together,
unable
to relieve
the burden;
but they
themselves go
into captivity.
Listen
to Me,
O house
of Jacob,
all
the remnant
of the house
of Israel,
who have been sustained
from
the womb,
carried along
since
birth.
Even to
your old age,
I
will be the same,
and I
will bear you up
when
you turn gray.
I
have made you,
and I
will carry you;
I
will sustain you
and deliver you.
To whom
will you liken Me
or count Me equal?
To whom will you compare Me,
that we should be alike?
Those who pour out
their bags
of gold
and weigh out
silver
on scales
hire
a goldsmith
to fashion it
into a god
they can bow down
and
worship.
They lift
it to
their shoulder
and carry it along;
they set
it in its place,
and there it stands,
not
budging
from
that spot.
They cry out
to it,
but it does not
answer;
it saves
no one
from his troubles.
Remember
what happened
long ago,
for
I
am God,
and there is no
other;
I am God,
and there is none
like Me.
I distinguish
the end
from the beginning,
and ancient times
from what
is still
to come,
saying:
‘My purpose
will be established,
and I will accomplish
all
My good pleasure.’
I summon
a bird of prey
from the east,
a man
for My purpose
from a far-off
land.
Truly
I have spoken,
truly
I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it,
I will surely
do it.
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.